/news/upper-north-island/rss 九一星空无限 Keep up with the latest in Upper North Island news with 九一星空无限talk ZB. Fri, 31 Jan 2025 08:08:43 Z en /news/upper-north-island/%C5%8Dkaihau-cyclist-death-kaikohe-man-appears-in-court/ /news/upper-north-island/%C5%8Dkaihau-cyclist-death-kaikohe-man-appears-in-court/ A Kaikohe man appeared in court today in relation to the death of a 19-year-old cyclist in Ōkaihau earlier this week. The 27-year-old has been charged with allegedly failing to stop and ascertain injury after the young person’s body was found on Settlers Way around 10.15pm on January 28. The man appeared in court on Friday and was granted bail until 18 February when he will be expected to enter a plea. If found guilty, the charge carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $20,000. The man has interim name suppression until his next court hearing when it will be readdressed. Police are still seeking witnesses to the incident as part of their investigation. Information can be updated online or by calling 105 referencing number 250129/0360. Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond. Fri, 31 Jan 2025 03:20:18 Z /news/upper-north-island/northland-retirees-celebrate-80kg-honey-harvest-from-village-beehives/ /news/upper-north-island/northland-retirees-celebrate-80kg-honey-harvest-from-village-beehives/ One hundred Northland retirees are reaping the rewards of a successful honey harvest after beehives were introduced to their retirement village. A year after Arvida Te Puna Waiora retirement community installed two hives on the Kerikeri village grounds, a whopping 80kg of honey was collected and harvested. Residents and staff are buzzing about the project’s success. They flocked to the TeRipo Wai Clubhouse in their droves to fill their jars and containers with honey which village manager Monique Hawker had painstakingly filtered from impurities. “I put a message on WhatsApp to ‘bring your own jars’,” Hawker said. “I was there with a cup ladling it into whatever containers people brought down.” The two hives belong to the village and are tended by “Charlie the local beekeeper”. Village resident Karen Errey came up with the idea while walking along the nearby river. Arvida Kerikeri residents are stoked that Karen Errey [pictured] came up with the idea of putting hives on the village grounds. Photo / Jenny Ling “I saw so many trees and plants out in flower. “I said to Monique ‘Why don’t we get some beehives’.” Residents' gardens are also blooming with flowers that attract bees. The first stage of Arvida’s $170m retirement village development in Kerikeri was launched in 2021 by local hapū Ngāti Rēhia and former mayor John Carter. Currently, there are 100 residents living in 93 villas, Hawker said. The complex, at the end of Hall Rd, has the capacity for 265 two and three-bedroom villas. Hawker said she was delighted with the honey project’s success. Stephen Pieterson cradles a large jar of honey. Photo / Jenny Ling “We’ve had the hives for just over a year, fully knowing they would be ready for extraction at the end of last year. “It’s incredible to see the fruits of our labour.” Residents have been drizzling the golden nectar over everything, including toast, cereal, and crackers, adding it to salad dressings, and swirling it over ice cream. “We’re rapt,” resident Brenda Dalton said. “I haven’t tasted honey like this in years.” The hives are now back in place as the retirement community waits for the next honey harvest. Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with roading, lifestyle, business, and animal welfare issues. Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:42:43 Z /news/upper-north-island/fire-crews-respond-to-scrub-blaze-in-tauranga-s-kairua/ /news/upper-north-island/fire-crews-respond-to-scrub-blaze-in-tauranga-s-kairua/ Fire and Emergency services are responding to a scrub fire in the Tauranga suburb of Kairua after receiving a report of smoke in the area. Firefighters arrived at the scene to find a scrub fire in gorse in toetoe about 10 metres by 10 metres, a spokesperson said. “Currently, we’ve got one crew on scene, but we’ve got two more appliances and a water tanker en route.” A witness who drove past said the “huge fire” was in the hills behind the Bay Park stadium. “The smoke is massive, you can’t miss it and it’s getting bigger.” Fri, 24 Jan 2025 02:34:48 Z /news/upper-north-island/police-make-arrest-in-relation-to-whang%C4%81rei-robberies-after-spotting-suspect-vehicle/ /news/upper-north-island/police-make-arrest-in-relation-to-whang%C4%81rei-robberies-after-spotting-suspect-vehicle/ Police have arrested a 16-year-old suspected of being involved in two recent robberies in Whangārei. The youth was taken into custody and was due to appear in the Whangārei Youth Court today, police said. The arrest followed a police pursuit of a vehicle just after 5pm yesterday. The vehicle had been identified as one potentially involved in arobbery at Kensington’s Z petrol station early on Wednesday and possibly also in an attempted aggravated robbery later that day at Tikipunga. Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, of Whangārei, said police signalled for the vehicle to stop in Otangarei but it sped off. The vehicle was then abandoned and its two occupants fled but were soon found by a police dog unit. ”This was an excellent example of a well-coordinated response to some dangerous behaviour within our community,” Pilmer said. Police say a worker at the Z station was assaulted and threatened by a group of people who smashed a glass door to get inside the shop, which was in its locked night-pay mode. Items were taken but were not described by police. The incident at Tikipunga allegedly involved a group of offenders entering a dairy on Meadow Park Crescent just before 3pm. Police say the store’s fog cannon was activated and the offenders sped off in a vehicle. It was not known what items, if any, were taken. Pilmer called on the public to report any unlawful behaviour they might have seen either by calling 111 (for incidents that were happening at the time) or, for matters after the fact, by phoning 105 or contacting police online. Sarah Curtis is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on a wide range of issues. She has nearly 20 years’ experience in journalism, much of which she spent court reporting in Gisborne and on the East Coast. She is passionate about covering stories that make a difference, especially stories about environmental issues. Fri, 24 Jan 2025 02:25:19 Z /news/upper-north-island/james-fisher-harris-asks-for-return-of-nrl-boots-stolen-from-kohukohu-rugby-club/ /news/upper-north-island/james-fisher-harris-asks-for-return-of-nrl-boots-stolen-from-kohukohu-rugby-club/ James Fisher-Harris is gutted someone has stolen his 2021 NRL premiership-winning boots from a Hokianga rugby club. The Warriors’ recruit is deeply connected to the Motukohu Rugby Clubin Kohukohu, where he grew up. He donated the boots as part of an auction to help the club raise money to host an annual Labour Weekend tournament. The boots were displayed in a cabinet alongside other memorabilia. Unfortunately, both boots and four of five precious rugby jerseys were stolen earlier this month. “It’s pretty s, to be honest,” Fisher-Harris told media today. “I’m pretty disappointed with that ... [its] a tight-knit community. I don’t know why someone would do that … Usually, we just look out, look out for each other. Surely it’s not a local anyway.” The hulking front-rower hoped whoever stole the boots and jerseys would return them. The jerseys stolen from Motukohu Rugby Clubrooms in Kohukohu, Hokianga Club spokeswoman Reena Rio-Singh said the clubrooms, on Kohukohu Rd, were burgled between January 4 and January 20, when the break-in was discovered. She said the offender broke in through a window. “James, his father, stepfather and grandfathers on both sides have all played rugby on this field. His mother, grandmother, aunties and sister have all played netball for this club. “James’ family home and extended whānau are all here in this community. James whakapapas to this club and community. To take what he gave us is like taking from him.” Rio-Singh said Motukohu has hosted an annual whānau rugby and netball tournament every Labour Weekend for the past 42 years. She said in December last year one of the participating whānau teams gave a koha to the club in the form of five different game rugby jerseys from the past 40 years in a custom-made frame. Four of the jerseys were stolen and the collection is so rare that it was the only one of its kind. Rio-Singh said the club didn’t particularly care who has them or how they may have come across the taonga. “All we would like is them to be returned ... anonymously if they wanted.” Rio-Singh said the club was small, rural and isolated and run by koha and volunteers. “We hire out the venue for private functions, run monthly markets and charge a $10 annual membership. We struggle to keep the lights on at times.” Rio-Singh said the club was the centre of community activities. “Whānau have celebrated 21st, 40th, 50th and even nehu (funeral) after the loss of loved ones. Our club is not just a club, it is an institution. “Any programmes run out of the club for our rangatahi are free of charge.” Anybody with the jerseys or boots can drop them off anonymously to the club or Kohukohu General Store, which is open seven days a week from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Rio-Singh said people can call her on 029 02016240 to arrange a pick-up, no questions asked. Fri, 24 Jan 2025 02:17:00 Z /news/upper-north-island/fears-of-mail-theft-after-items-posted-in-hokianga-northland-disappear/ /news/upper-north-island/fears-of-mail-theft-after-items-posted-in-hokianga-northland-disappear/ A Hokianga couple fear mail is being stolen from the postal system after all 10 items they sent last year have not reached their destinations. Diane Yanakopulos and partner Seabourne Rust believe there is a weakness in NZ Post’s mail system, after neighbours and friends also reported mail posted from Hokianga and Kaikohe going missing. But both NZ Post and police have not identified any issues, with NZ Post saying Northland deliveries are being carried out as expected. Yanakopulos and Rust are artists at Moirai Studio near Waipoua Forest, and usually send mail from nearby Waimamaku. Yanakopulos said she first noticed the post was not getting through in June, when a card with cash sent to a Kerikeri PO box never reached the recipient. Next they sent a card to Otago in August for a nephew’s birthday, two birthday cards sent to Auckland in October, and two cards sent in December – one to the North Island, one to the South Island. None of the cards were received. They estimate eight cards or letters were sent last year – all to known addresses and with their return address included – and all went missing. Tracked mail has also been a problem. In November, Yanakopulos sent a one-of-a-kind handmade travel bag, valued about $300, to Auckland through an economy tracked bag. The tracking system shows it was collected from Waimamaku on November 8, but no further scanning or tracing was shown. The package never reached the recipient, the other grandmother of Yanakopulos’ young grandson. “It was a gift to say ‘thank you for being so cool looking after our grandson’. It was something that was supposed to be magic, but this has taken all the joy out of it for me.” When Yanakopulos tried to complain to NZ Post about the lack of delivery, she was initially told her item was prohibited because it was over the $250 value limit for economy post and she would not get any compensation. NZ Post says it has robust internal security measures, and Northland mail and parcels are being delivered as expected. Photo / Michael Cunningham However, when the Northern Advocate started investigating, NZ Post said it would provide her up to $250 compensation in recognition of the way the case was handled. Yanakopulos is still disappointed no one got to the bottom of what happened to the parcel. She filed a complaint with police. Rust also tried to send a tracked package from Waimamaku to Otago without success on December 13. He was unable to trace this package because the tracking number he was given was invalid. “It hasn’t been easy to follow up or lodge a complaint with them [NZ Post] ... This has just disappeared into thin air and I can’t even lodge a complaint.” Rust said his issue was not the value of the package, but the fact his personal information – including a detailed letter to a family member – is now missing and potentially in the hands of a thief. “If someone wanted to use those details, it opens it up to fraud. I feel a bit unnerved.” The couple have not had any trouble receiving mail. When Yanakopulos posted on her local Facebook page, numerous Hokianga and Kaikohe residents commented they were having trouble sending mail, and one person did not receive a bank card. Some people commented how sad it was that grandmothers could no longer send their grandchildren cards. “This is not just us, this is something much bigger,” Yanakopulos said. “With two cards posted on the same day, one to the North Island, one to the South Island – it’s not just someone randomly stealing out of letterboxes at the same time.” But NZ Post said in a statement the organisation had not identified any issues or blockages in the Northland network, and both mail and parcel deliveries were being carried out as expected. “We have robust internal security measures in place while an item is in our network but, once delivered, any theft after delivery becomes a police matter and this is not something NZ Post records.” NZ Post confirmed it was offering compensation to Yanakopulos for the lost parcel. “Unfortunately, due to the nature of delivery logistics, from time to time items do go missing or are misdelivered. In this instance, we have reached out to the customer in question to discuss their parcel directly.” Police said they had not had any reports of mail theft in the Hokianga area, other than Yanakopulos’ report. They encourage anyone who is a victim of theft to report it online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 or call 105. Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference. Mon, 20 Jan 2025 01:56:57 Z /news/upper-north-island/mangamuka-gorge-highway-reopening-provides-boom-for-far-far-north/ /news/upper-north-island/mangamuka-gorge-highway-reopening-provides-boom-for-far-far-north/ “It felt more like Queen St!” After two years closed, the reopening of State Highway 1 over the Mangamukas in the Far North has proved to be a boon for businesses at the top of the country, with Kaitāia’s main street and shops extra busy. After two long years, and a couple of shaky years before that, residents and visitors to the Far Far North could finally return to normal with the long-awaited reopening of the Mangamuka Gorge in December. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) opened the troublesome stretch of State Highway 1 through the Mangamukas after more than two years and $204 million of work, following the gorge being closed by more than 30 major slips. Many Te Hiku businesses struggled while SH1 was closed as visitors stayed away, with SH10 the alternative route from the south. It was hoped that the reopening would provide a boon, and so it proved, with many reporting more customers and interest. The Mangamuka Dairy has been at the forefront of the closure, being on the southern side of the hills, but it managed to survive the two years thanks to its loyal local customers and the workers on the massive repair job shopping there, particularly its takeaways. Manager Charlotte Kete said there has been a big difference since the gorge reopened, with lots more people passing by, and stopping into the store. “A big difference is seeing all the new faces coming in. We had great support from our locals (during the closure) and we really miss the workers now, but everybody is so happy the gorge has reopened,” Kete said. “We were pretty lucky we had them all to help keep us open. That first week (after the reopening) was amazing and being the holidays it brought a lot of people through.” She said some people still stopped to ask if the gorge was actually open again, and some GPS systems still said it was closed, so they would have to be updated. Kete said it also meant she did not have to go to Kerikeri for the store’s supplies as she could now just nip over to Kaitāia, which kept the money in the Te Hiku area. “We’re very happy that it has now reopened and in time for the holidays and so many people are going through to Kaitāia and exploring the area.” Kaitāia Business Association chairman and Kaitāia Farmers store manager Josh Kirby said the reopening of SH1 Mangamuka just in time for Christmas has been hugely positive for the local business community. Kaitāia Business Association chairman Josh Kirby said the town was packed with visitors over the holiday period following the reopening of SH1 over the Mangamukas. “In particular our retailers, hospitality and accommodation providers. We saw a large influx of visitors to Kaitāia and the Far North, and our beaches and campgrounds have been packed. We also saw large traffic jams up and down Commerce St all the way to North Park in the lead-up to New Years, which is not something we’re used to,” Kirby said. “While this was frustrating for some, it was a sign that people were keen to visit the Far North and make the most of all that we have to offer.” Te Hiku ward Far North District Councillor Felicity Foy was delighted with all the extra visitors the reopening brought to the area. “It felt more like Queen St,” Foy said. “There were queues of traffic right along (Commerce St) and lots of people taking advantage of the holidays and great weather to come north. The difference they all made was huge for us.” The tourism sector was also seeing much more activity and Ahipara was a great example of that. “At times you couldn’t get a rock pool (to explore) unless you got there really early.” She said it wasn’t only the local business and tourism economy getting a boom from the reopening with the primary sector also seeing more activity. “As well, we are getting more people moving up here from the cities who are seeing this as a stunning place to live and do business - it’s all pretty positive for the Far North.” The opening of the Mangamukas certainly brought droves of visitors to the Far North over the Christmas period and this was reflected in the number of green fee players enjoying the game of golf at the Houhora Club. Some days there was an almost continuous line-up of players waiting to tee off, the club said. Other business owners spoken to by the Northland Age reported an increase in business after the gorge reopened. The steep and winding road through the gorge is a vital link for people travelling between Kaitāia and the rest of the country. It has been closed extensively for three of the past four years, forcing motorists to take lengthy detours through SH10. This has had an impact on the area’s economic situation, with the delays meaning extra costs to get goods to and from the Far North. A one-in-500-year-storm caused major slips and forced its closure in July 2020. The gorge opened in June 2021 and repairs cost $16.2m. The stretch of road was destroyed by dozens of slips during another major storm in August 2022, and yet another storm in 2023 delayed repairs and bumped up the cost from $160m to $204m. Mon, 20 Jan 2025 01:17:08 Z /news/upper-north-island/historic-warbirds-dazzle-at-classic-flyers-aero-day-event/ /news/upper-north-island/historic-warbirds-dazzle-at-classic-flyers-aero-day-event/ Pieces of New Zealand’s aviation heritage graced the sky during the Classic Flyers Aero Day on Saturday. . A Spitfire, a Mustang and a Texan, part of the Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand, touched down briefly to inspire a new generation of pilots. Squadron leader Michael Williams said military flying was unique. “It’s taken me to the North Pole, South Pole, all around the Pacific, Asia, and the Middle East,” he said. The T-6C Texan II flown by Michael Williams. These aircraft represented a time when Kiwis went abroad and fought in conflicts around the world, with some never returning, he said. “That symbolises a time when New Zealanders stood up for what was right. The values of the Royal New Zealand Air Force back then are exactly the same as they are now. “We had multiple crews that were lost doing the job.” The Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand is a special squadron that operates within the Royal New Zealand Air Force and helps drive recruitment, Williams said. Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX i Williams regularly flies the Heritage Flight’s Avenger, but an engine refit saw him fly the Texan today. He said the planes are provided to the Royal New Zealand Air Force via the Biggin Hill Historic Aircraft Centre at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ōhakea. “The Air Force is very fortunate to have that relationship with Biggin Hill Historic Aircraft Centre,” he said. The North American P-51 Mustang. Wiillams works with squadron leaders Sean Perrett and Stuart Anderson, each specialising in a specific plane. Perrett specialises in the Mustang, while Anderson operates the Spitfire, he said. Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:06:48 Z /news/upper-north-island/kawakawa-township-without-water-after-mains-break/ /news/upper-north-island/kawakawa-township-without-water-after-mains-break/ Heavy downpours overnight caused the water mains in Kawakawa to break, leaving many people without water. Four tankers are currently stationed around the township to supply water to residents free of charge. Far North District Council contractors are on site to fix the pipe, which is located up a steep bank. The break is said to have occurred at about 9pm last night. Residents are being encouraged to bring their own containers to fill up with water. The tankers are stationed at the Bay of Islands College carpark, Boswell Street, Waiomio Road and Albert St. A Far North District Council social media post stated the repair did not begin until dawn over safety concerns during windy and wet conditions. According to MetService, Kerikeri has recorded 50mm of rain in the last 24 hours - more rain than it has recorded in the last 30 days. Northland was braced for wet weather over the weekend and a severe weather watch was updated to a warning for this afternoon. The warning for Northland will last from 3pm today until 10am tomorrow. A severe thunderstorm watch is also in place from 11pm today until 8am tomorrow. Downpours may occur in localised places bringing with them a risk of flooding. More to come. Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond. Sun, 19 Jan 2025 23:44:17 Z /news/upper-north-island/far-north-property-10m-island-estate-that-hosted-royalty-hits-market-for-first-time-since-2009/ /news/upper-north-island/far-north-property-10m-island-estate-that-hosted-royalty-hits-market-for-first-time-since-2009/ A 2.5ha estate on Motuarohia Island, once visited by Queen Elizabeth II, is for sale. The property, marketed by Andy Dalton, is expected to fetch $10 million or more. The estate features a homestead, extensive native plantings and a thriving bird population. An island home that once hosted Queen Elizabeth II has hit the market for sale with expectations of nabbing a buyer with $10 million or more to spend. The 2.5ha estate on Motuarohia Island, in the Far North, is on the market for the first time since 2009. Known as “Eagles on Motuarohia”, the estate comes with a traditional homestead and is one of only six properties on the private island, which overlooks Cooks Cove and is 5km from Russell. Murray, the vendor, who wished to keep his surname private, told OneRoof the late Queen had visited the property and had even done some housework while there. The three-bedroom homestead once hosted Queen Elizabeth II during one of her visits to the region. Queen Elizabeth during a tour of New Zealand in 1970. Photo / Getty Images “A guy called Mike Alexander bought it in the 1970s and planted 280,000 trees, then DoC [the Department of Conservation] gave him three kiwis. And from that everything blossomed,” Murray told OneRoof. “He won an environmental award, so the Queen came to the island and spent the day at the house and she did the dishes. Yep, Queen Elizabeth did the dishes.” Murray said he bought the property in 2009 at a mortgagee sale. He had been a chief executive at one of the country’s top 30 companies but abandoned his career after visiting Tane Mahuta, New Zealand’s largest known living kauri tree, in the Waipoua Forest. “I thought there’s more to life so I thought I’d buy an island,” he said. His partner Joey’s connection to the area goes back even further: she and her late husband had owned a neighbouring property on Motuarohia 40 years ago, just after it was subdivided by Alexander. Joey sold her Motuarohia property a couple of years ago and the couple are now looking for a new adventure somewhere different. “Let’s have another experience in life because I’m in my 70s, I survived a bout of cancer,” Murray said. Murray estimated he had planted some 70,000 native trees since 2009, including 120 pōhutukawa trees, and highlighted the island’s booming bird population, which includes the nearly extinct white head and the descendants of the three kiwi sent to the island in the 1970s. The view from the property is stunning. The kitchen where the Queen reportedly did the dishes. “I said to Mike before he died, ‘I’ll look after the island and make sure it’s enhanced under your vision.’ I’ve left this place better and that for me is key,” he told OneRoof. “We’re sitting on our beach right now, and there are dolphins. When go home and have a beautiful meal, we’ll sit outside and the kiwi will come out. They’ll take a bug out of your hand. It’s pretty special.” The house still has Alexander’s wood panelling and stone fireplace, and the kitchen where Her Majesty did the dishes, although Murray ripped out and rebuilt the upper floor, which houses bedrooms. Barfoot & Thompson agent Andy Dalton (yes, THE Andy Dalton who captained the All Blacks for one of their most successful runs in history) is marketing the property for sale by negotiation. He told OneRoof that he’s not exaggerating when he calls the estate “a piece of paradise”. “It’s just sensational and that $10 million price point makes it exclusive.” Dalton said nearly half of the inquiries about the property had come from overseas. “It’s a mix of expats and Americans. I don’t know whether Mr Trump is having an impact on that. But we’ve also got local interest – it’spretty well known.” In his advertising, Dalton said the property had 360-degree views of the Bay of Islands. “Eagle’s owners have worked with and hosted DoC, Project Island Song, the Massey University Kiwi conservation management and students, the Auckland Zoo and other conservation programmes for biodiversity on the island ... An island caretaker resides on-site to care for the common areas and is available for individual owner needs,” he said. – 205 Motuarohia Island, Russell, Far North, is for sale by negotiation Sun, 19 Jan 2025 23:21:21 Z /news/upper-north-island/northland-weather-heavy-rain-watch-upgraded-to-warning-thunderstorms-and-strong-winds-to-come/ /news/upper-north-island/northland-weather-heavy-rain-watch-upgraded-to-warning-thunderstorms-and-strong-winds-to-come/ A heavy rain warning has been issued for Northland as part of the region experiences more rainfall in a day than it has all month. MetService meteorologist Clare O’Connor said in the last 24 hours Kerikeri recorded 50mm of rain. “That’s more rain than they’ve recorded in the last 30 days altogether.” Heavy rain is expected from 3pm today until 10am tomorrow. MetService also issued a severe thunderstorm watch for 11pm today until 8am tomorrow. A strong wind watch also remains in place from 1am tomorrow until 8am. O’Connor said the midweek may bring calmer weather but the long weekend could be a damp one. “While the rain will be welcome to some it’s also falling on harder ground which can also have knock-on effects.” There was a risk of flooding especially as thunderstorms were expected to hit in localised areas, she said. Tuesday’s thunderstorms may bring between 25mm and 60mm of rain in an hour, O’Connor said Forecasted strong winds could batter the eastern parts of Northland, particularly Paihia or Whangārei. O’Connor encouraged people to secure items such as boats, trampolines and outdoor furniture. She said the weather settles through the midweek but conditions could change moving into Friday. Another low-pressure system was forming in the Tasman Sea toward the end of the week, which could bring humid conditions and rain. “Early indications suggest there could potentially be some rain,” O’Connor said. “It does look like Sunday could be a wet one across most of the North Island. Have a think about where you’re going, or make sure you’re prepared for wet weather." The rainmaker comes following a dry start to the year in Northland which kept firefighters busy. Fire and Emergency New Zealandcrews battled a 20ha blaze on January 9, which took two days to bring under control. Around 40 members battled the blaze, which was contained after three days. The fire started as a vegetation rubbish burnwhich escaped. Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond. Sun, 19 Jan 2025 21:59:53 Z /news/upper-north-island/rotorua-and-tauranga-council-cctv-cameras-help-police-catch-youths/ /news/upper-north-island/rotorua-and-tauranga-council-cctv-cameras-help-police-catch-youths/ “Eagle-eyed” council camera operators in Rotorua and Tauranga have been credited with helping police track down five young alleged offenders. Rotorua Police area prevention manager Phil Gillbanks said in a statement that police received a report of an attempted burglary at an Amohau St store at about 2am. An alarm activation alerted Rotorua Lakes Council CCTVoperators to the incident. Gillbanks said police saw a vehicle on Amohau St and signalled for it to stop. “It did not stop and instead drove dangerously and at speed, on to Fairy Springs Rd and out of town. “A pursuit was abandoned due to the manner of driving,” Gillbanks said. The vehicle was then sighted by Tauranga City Council CCTV operators in Tauranga. “Police in the area successfully spiked the vehicle, and it came to a stop near Paraone Koikoi Drive. “The alleged offenders exited the vehicle and fled on foot, but did not make it far before being located and arrested with the assistance of a dog unit,” Gillbanks said. Five youths, aged between 15 and 17, were due to appear in the Tauranga Youth Court on Friday, he said. He thanked the camera operators for their “eagle-eyed” help. Gillbanks said it followed a similar incident involving commercial premises on Ruapehu St, Taupō on Monday. Four alleged youth offenders aged between 15 and 17 were arrested after using a vehicle in a bid to get into the premises, then fleeing the scene in it. CCTV was used to track the vehicle, before it was successfully spiked near Clayton Rd. The suspects fled from the vehicle on foot but were found and arrested with the help of a police dog. These two incidents are not believed to be linked, he said. “The arrests across these two incidents outline the co-ordination between police and local councils across multiple towns and areas in an attempt to apprehend offenders,” Gillbanks said. “The use of CCTV footage continues to be an asset to investigations and serves as an extra tool for police, one that helps us maintain a strong partnership with our local councils.” Fri, 17 Jan 2025 03:56:25 Z /news/upper-north-island/baby-bronze-whaler-sharks-found-after-strong-tides-in-rock-pools-near-ahipara-far-north/ /news/upper-north-island/baby-bronze-whaler-sharks-found-after-strong-tides-in-rock-pools-near-ahipara-far-north/ The discovery of infant sharks in rock pools near Ahipara in the Far North has sparked both wonder and concern among locals. A group of Bronze Whaler sharks made the rock pools in the Te Kōhanga / Tauroa area their temporary home after being brought into the pools by strong tides, locals say. While monitoring the area, Lisa McNab of Ahipara Takiwā noticed splashes in the water – and discovered at least 15 young sharks swimming in the pools. Ahipara Takiwa works at protecting coastal and marine areas and McNab said she was walking along the high tide mark picking up rubbish left by day trippers and boaties when she noticed the sharks. Lisa McNab spotted the sharks earlier this week. “I stopped when I saw splashing at the rock pools and went closer and saw the sharks in the rock pools and I have been going regularly to check. On Tuesday there were about 15 and when I went last night (Thursday) there were about seven, five of the seven were in an adjacent pool… it’s a stunning image, to see them so close.” “There is about 20m of rock pool before the open sea. They are not hurting anyone and hopefully no one will hurt them.” She said two years ago “Two years ago there were sharks in the same area. I am not sure if this is a natural thing they do.” Sharks stranded at rock pools near Ahipara. Ahipara resident Albert Rahiri said he was concerned of the sharks not having enough food and was also concerned of beachgoers that may not be aware they are there. “The pools are huge, but they won’t hold enough fish to sustain them for a long period…I had some snaps showing that they are already attacking each other, one of them with a chewed fin and severe scratches.” “Normally these pools cater for a lot of whānau, these would be where the tamariki would be exploring and honing their hunter gathering skills.” Rahiri said he reached out to the Department of Conservation (DOC) and was told they were not able to assist as it was not an endangered species, adding that a fisherman did attempt to help the sharks. “He tried to get some with a long line and managed to get one back in the ocean.” DOC Senior Science Advisor: Marine Dr Karen Middlemiss confirmed that they were made aware of the incident. The group of bronze whaler sharks were likely brought in by a high tide. “Bronze whalers are very common in coastal areas in Northland where they come into pup over summer…Likely the tide brought them in.” “The matter has been referred to the Northland Regional Council as this is not a protected species or on public conservation land.” Middlemiss added that should members of the public spot stranded sharks or other marine life they should contact a ranger at a local DoC office on phone 0800 DOC HOT or email sharks@doc.govt.nz. Fri, 17 Jan 2025 03:13:33 Z /news/upper-north-island/coroner-found-driver-error-was-the-cause-of-triple-road-fatality-near-matamata-1/ /news/upper-north-island/coroner-found-driver-error-was-the-cause-of-triple-road-fatality-near-matamata-1/ A car crash near Matamata in 2022 killed three people. Associate Coroner Dan Moore found Jay Robert Acton’s car crossed the centreline into the path of another vehicle. Moore emphasised the importance of seatbelt use, after noting one of the people who died was not wearing one. A car crash that killed three people near Matamata in 2022 was caused by “driver error”. The collision happened on State Highway 29 in Waikato at about 5.30pm on September 16 that year. A couple, Vili Lolohea Losaki, 52, and Polokola Kaimua, 50, were driving from Hamilton towards Tauranga in a Nissan Liberty. Auckland man Jay Robert Acton, 44, was driving in the other direction in a Volvo V50 from Tauranga on the way to Cambridge. In findings publicly released today, a coroner found that Acton’s car crossed the centreline into the eastbound lane and the path of the Nissan. The two vehicles collided head-on, with the right-hand headlight the point of impact for both. A person in a vehicle following the Nissan witnessed the crash and called 111 before going to help. Ambulance staff were dispatched but all three people died at the scene. Acton’s car crossed the centreline as he steered into a long left-hand bend. A police investigator said this could have been caused by “driver distraction and/or fatigue”. Associate Coroner Dan Moore said that while these could not be discounted, there was insufficient evidence to make a finding that they were the cause of the crash. A blood sample showed Acton had traces of alcohol in his system, which might have come from a means other than drinking, and no other drugs of note. Acton’s Volvo had a worn front left tyre and the Nissan had incorrect wheel nuts but neither factor was considered to have contributed to the crash. Witnesses said both vehicles appeared to be travelling within the 100km/h limit, and the coroner said speed was also not considered a factor. “I find that the cause of the motor vehicle incident was driver error on the part of Mr Acton,” Coroner Moore said. The coroner released two sets of inquest findings today – one for Acton and one for Losaki and Kaimua. He said that Polokola Kaimua (also known as Polokola Losaki) was not wearing her seatbelt at the time. “There have been numerous driver safety campaigns stressing the importance of correct and consistent use of seatbelts,” he said. “There is good reason for this: advice on the Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency website states that wearing a seatbelt reduces your chances of being killed or injured in a road crash by about 40%. “I encourage all drivers and passengers to use their seatbelts at all times.” Ric Stevens spent many years working for the former New Zealand Press Association news agency, including as a political reporter at Parliament, before holding senior positions at various daily newspapers. He joined 九一星空无限’s Open Justice team in 2022 and is based in Hawke’s Bay. Thu, 16 Jan 2025 07:57:06 Z /news/upper-north-island/coroner-found-driver-error-was-the-cause-of-triple-road-fatality-near-matamata/ /news/upper-north-island/coroner-found-driver-error-was-the-cause-of-triple-road-fatality-near-matamata/ A car crash near Matamata in 2022 killed three people. Associate Coroner Dan Moore found Jay Robert Acton’s car crossed the centreline into the path of another vehicle. Moore emphasised the importance of seatbelt use, after noting one of the people who died was not wearing one. A car crash that killed three people near Matamata in 2022 was caused by “driver error”. The collision happened on State Highway 29 in Waikato at about 5.30pm on September 16 that year. A couple, Vili Lolohea Losaki, 52, and Polokola Kaimua, 50, were driving from Hamilton towards Tauranga in a Nissan Liberty. Auckland man Jay Robert Acton, 44, was driving in the other direction in a Volvo V50 from Tauranga on the way to Cambridge. In findings publicly released today, a coroner found that Acton’s car crossed the centreline into the eastbound lane and the path of the Nissan. The two vehicles collided head-on, with the right-hand headlight the point of impact for both. A person in a vehicle following the Nissan witnessed the crash and called 111 before going to help. Ambulance staff were dispatched but all three people died at the scene. Acton’s car crossed the centreline as he steered into a long left-hand bend. A police investigator said this could have been caused by “driver distraction and/or fatigue”. Associate Coroner Dan Moore said that while these could not be discounted, there was insufficient evidence to make a finding that they were the cause of the crash. A blood sample showed Acton had traces of alcohol in his system, which might have come from a means other than drinking, and no other drugs of note. Acton’s Volvo had a worn front left tyre and the Nissan had incorrect wheel nuts but neither factor was considered to have contributed to the crash. Witnesses said both vehicles appeared to be travelling within the 100km/h limit, and the coroner said speed was also not considered a factor. “I find that the cause of the motor vehicle incident was driver error on the part of Mr Acton,” Coroner Moore said. The coroner released two sets of inquest findings today – one for Acton and one for Losaki and Kaimua. He said that Polokola Kaimua (also known as Polokola Losaki) was not wearing her seatbelt at the time. “There have been numerous driver safety campaigns stressing the importance of correct and consistent use of seatbelts,” he said. “There is good reason for this: advice on the Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency website states that wearing a seatbelt reduces your chances of being killed or injured in a road crash by about 40%. “I encourage all drivers and passengers to use their seatbelts at all times.” Ric Stevens spent many years working for the former New Zealand Press Association news agency, including as a political reporter at Parliament, before holding senior positions at various daily newspapers. He joined 九一星空无限’s Open Justice team in 2022 and is based in Hawke’s Bay. Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:16:18 Z /news/upper-north-island/final-year-fees-free-policy-introduced/ /news/upper-north-island/final-year-fees-free-policy-introduced/ The introduction of the final Fees-Free tertiary education policy has been called a wise investment byBay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford. “This is exactly the kind of practical policy reform that will make a real difference for students in the Bay of Plenty and across New Zealand,” Rutherford said. He highlighted that the policy’s design ensures taxpayer money is spent effectively. “Unlike the previous first-year scheme, this approach rewards commitment and completion. It’s about backing students who demonstrate the dedication to see their studies through.” Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford. Local tertiary providers, including Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, will benefit from the streamlined implementation process managed by the Tertiary Education Commission and Inland Revenue. “I encourage all eligible students in the Bay of Plenty to take advantage of this opportunity. This is about investing in your future and our region’s prosperity,” Rutherford said. Starting January 2025, a policy will provide up to $12,000 in fee coverage for students completing their first tertiary qualification in their final two years. “I’ve spoken with many local students who struggle with the financial burden of completing their studies. This policy tells them clearly: stick with it, and we’ll help you across the finish line,” says Rutherford. Not everyone agrees with the policy change. University of Waikato, Bachelor of Social Science student Belle Yeoman believes it will harm those who can’t afford university. “The whole reason to have a first-year fee-free was to help people who struggle financially and to allow more high school graduates to go to university or at least explore it without thinking about the pressure of money,” Yeoman said. “Now, having the last year fee-free, they’re helping people who have already been able to financially support themselves through the majority of their degree.” Yeoman took advantage of the free first year, helping students explore their passions and the university’s offerings. “It will make people second guess whether they should go to university or not,” she said. “The other good thing about first-year fee-free is to know you can start at university, and if you aren’t enjoying your course, you can change, and there’s no financial pressure.” Toi Ohomai's Windermere campus. Photo / File The fees-free tertiary education and training scheme was introduced on 1 January 2018, Toi Ohomai Tumu Whenua ā-Rohe 2, executive director for Region 2 Huia Haeata, said. “It covered fees for first-time learners in their first year of provider-based study or their first two years of work-based training, up to $12,000,” Haeata said. In August, the Tertiary Education Commission hosted a webinar outlining the changes, and education providers had the opportunity to provide feedback on implementing the new process. “The policy aims to motivate and reward learners for completing their qualification or programme and reduce the overall cost of their study and training,” Haeata said. “Learners that previously received first‐year fees free will not be eligible for final year fees free.” Toi Ohomai has not widely canvassed prospective learners about the impact of this change on their study decisions, “However, current enrolments do not indicate that the change in fee-free funding is having a significant impact.” Ākonga, in a one-year course, can access funding if it is their first qualification and they haven’t used fees-free financing before. “For many ākonga, the financial burden associated with participating in tertiary study can be challenging - for themselves and their whānau,” she said. Thu, 16 Jan 2025 02:46:54 Z /news/upper-north-island/hamilton-tenant-evicted-from-pensioner-accommodation-for-antisocial-behaviour/ /news/upper-north-island/hamilton-tenant-evicted-from-pensioner-accommodation-for-antisocial-behaviour/ Epiha Michael Nathan was evicted from a pensioner apartment for anti-social behaviour involving drinking, fighting and loud music. Neighbours also complained about him parking in a way that blocked other tenants' cars and ambulance access. Nathan claimed most of the complaints against him were made up. A Hamilton tenant has been booted out of a retirement village for “drinking, arguing, yelling” and getting into fights with mates. Epiha Michael Nathan also had the police called on him, and regularly played loud music into the early hours of the morning, according to complaints from his elderly neighbours. Others complained he often parked where he wasn’t supposed to, which in one instance impeded ambulance access to the 35-unit village on Livingstone St in Nawton. Landlord, Accessible Properties, told the Tenancy Tribunal it had given Nathan three warnings within a 90-day period. Each warning was backed with written complaints from neighbours. “Tenants complained that that they were fed up with this behaviour of drunk fights with friends and visitors,” tribunal adjudicator Tania Harris said in the recently-released decision. “One tenant called the police due to all the yelling and screaming.” Nathan had been living in a single ground-floor apartment that was part of an 18-unit block within the social housing village, Harris said. He had retirees living above and beside him in the double-storey block. The first written notice given to Nathan and shown to the tribunal was from September 27 last year. It quoted a neighbour saying how Nathan and a friend were fighting, while another retiree complained about “loud music that he would not turn down, drinking sessions and him abusing his friends”. An October 29 notice given to Nathan “was for drinking, fighting, abusive language and fighting late at night”. Then a November 4 notice was given for ongoing parking issues. The landlord told the tribunal Nathan’s apartment did not come with an allocated car park as the 35-unit premises had only 16 parks. Nathan hadn’t had a car when he moved in but later bought one and began parking on the main driveway near the rubbish bins, the tribunal heard. This blocked access for ambulances, food deliveries and other residents using their own cars or being picked up and taken to appointments, Harris said. The landlord said Nathan had also parked in other tenants' parks or behind their cars, meaning they couldn’t leave. For his part, Nathan told the tribunal the parking signage was confusing and that he had assumed he was allowed to park inside the property grounds because it had signs saying the parking was for residents only. He also assumed he was able to park in the main driveway because there was no yellow lines or signs saying he couldn’t, he said. But Harris said she believed it had been made clear to Nathan he was not allowed to park on the property. “The continuation by the tenant of parking in no parking areas I find is a nuisance that is more than minor. It is ongoing and the tenant steadfastly refused to comply,” she said. In response, Nathan told the tribunal the landlord was harassing him by making up false complaints. “The tenant agreed that some of the incidents complained about occurred but not all of them,” Harris said. Harris concluded Nathan’s tenancy should be terminated immediately. Accessible Properties chief executive Kelly Bunyan told the Herald that as a community housing provider, its care extends not only to individual tenants but also to neighbours and residents inside and outside its complexes. “While we can’t comment on specific tenants or tenancy arrangements, we have a low tolerance for antisocial behaviour and will take action to protect people, our communities and our property,” she said. “Unfortunately sometimes that action will result in eviction.” Thu, 16 Jan 2025 01:30:48 Z /news/upper-north-island/whangamat%C4%81-community-marae-draft-concept-designs-released/ /news/upper-north-island/whangamat%C4%81-community-marae-draft-concept-designs-released/ Whangamatā is a step closer to getting a community marae with concept designs and land appointed for a reserve. Whangamatā Community Marae Trustchairman Ryan Thompson said they now had a 4700sq m section at 101 Lindsay Rd to work with. The trust had worked alongside the Thames-Coromandel District Council to subdivide the 6400sq m section. The remaining 1700sq m block would be used by a council contractor, he said. It followed a successful bid by the trust to secure a portion of land in the town for the development of a community marae. Having the land designated a community reserve would give the project more security, Thompson said. “The land was previously designated commercial, it gives security, it designates what the land can be used for.” In August the council approved setting aside a portion of the council-owned property at 101 Lindsay Rd in Whangamatā so that it could be used for the site of a community marae and community hub. The site has a controversial past, more recently in 2021 when strong public protest persuaded the council not to sell the land and instead look for a community use for it. Thompson said the trust had secured $100,000 towards site planning and design from multiple organisations. That included $50,000 from Lottery Community Facilities, $10,000 from a Thames-Coromandel District Council waste management fund towards a resource recovery centre, $15,000 from the Eastern Coromandel Community Services Trust, $5000 from a Community Organisation Grants Scheme and $20,000 from the Department of Internal Affairs. Thompson said the proposal was still in the early stages and there was more consultation with anticipated changes to the concept. He said the final design concept would likely be completed later this year. “It is a starting point; it allows us to talk to stakeholders and the community and iwi and then refine it. “It is really exciting to be at this stage and have something to look at.” A crowd gathers to enjoy food and live entertainment at Williamson Park in Whangamatā for 2024 Matariki celebrations. Earlier meetings with iwi had been positive and a Ngāti Pū representative had been elected. A staged approach to funding had been recommended with capital funding to be looked at once concept designs were in place. In August Thompson said there were huge celebrations when the trust heard the council had approved its application. “After 50 years of trying, this is finally becoming a reality, our job is tempering that excitement. “A huge amount of support and excitement, we have to journey with people through that process.” A design concept for the community marae in Whangamatā. The Whangamatā Community Marae committee was first registered as an incorporated society in 1990. The committee subsequently moved to a trust structure and was registered as a charitable trust in 2022. Its mission statement is to establish a modern, state-of-the-art marae facility that will benefit the whole community of Whangamatā and surrounding areas, to administer a marae facility to provide for education, tangihanga, hui, wānanga, arts and any other event or activity with a community purpose and benefit and to provide educational opportunities to the Whangamatā community on tikanga Māori and tereo Māori. Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:33:58 Z /news/upper-north-island/forestry-giant-ernslaw-one-delays-cyclone-damage-repairs-court-extends-deadlines/ /news/upper-north-island/forestry-giant-ernslaw-one-delays-cyclone-damage-repairs-court-extends-deadlines/ A Malaysian-born forestry giant, Ernslaw One, continues to remain at the centre of the storm after wreaking havoc on Te Tairāwhiti’s fragile environment with forestry debris. Despite being fined for the catastrophic destruction caused during the 2018 cyclones, the company is yet to fully rectify its forestry processes as ordered. Now, it has left the Environment Court with no choice but to extend deadlines, further delaying peace of mind for a region heading into cyclone season. Ernslaw, a dominant force in New Zealand’s forestry industry, commands an empire of 100,000ha of forest, including vast holdings in Ūawa/Tolaga Bay and the West Ho forest within the Gisborne District. The company is headed by the Oregon investment company owned by the Tiong family, who also own New Zealand King Salmon and The Neil Group. Following a severe storm during Queen’s Birthday weekend in June 2018, substantial environmental damage occurred with sediment, slash and logging debris from the Ūawa Forest entering water bodies, streams, rivers and ultimately Tolaga Bay. Around 47,000 cubic metres of woody debris washed up on Tolaga Bay with an estimated 4000,000 cubic metres left through the Ūawa catchment. Some of the forestry slash at the Uawa Forest, still there in 2022. Photo / Gisborne District Council The Gisborne District Court charged Ernslaw with a breach of the Resource Management Act 1991 and in 2022 they were fined $225,000 and ordered to pay $130,000 reparation to locally affected families. In August last year, the Environment Court imposed enforcement on Ernslaw, Timbergrow and Chiong Yong Tiong to comply with a number of orders specifically in the West Ho Forest of Tolaga Bay. The conditions set by the Environment Court had a deadline of December 2024, however when the Gisborne District Council conducted a site visit in November, it noted areas of the forest remained non-compliant and still had high-risk issues. The council told the Environment Court that although some work had been done, the work was “piecemeal” and representatives for Ernslaw who also attended the site visit expressed surprise at the minimalist nature of the works completed. The council found woody debris remained at a number of locations, waste logging material had not been pulled back from skid sites (generally the side of hills) and water controls were inadequate. When the respondents advised the council the orders would not be complied with by December, they proposed no optional dates, forcing the council to apply for extensions due to the lack of compliance. The council also raised throughout the remediation period that the group had no director, manager or employee taking responsibility for overseeing the project, making it difficult to gain any feedback. The respondents acknowledged they had not fully complied but said the work that had been implemented had significantly improved West Ho Forest over time. Mana Taiao Tairāwhiti (MTT) submitted to the court that every additional day granted to the organisations to rectify issues posed additional risk with disastrous consequences. MTT said as long as the work remains incomplete, “the burden of fear weighs heavy on the communities”. Chief Environment Court Judge David Kirkpatrick made an extension of the order relating to the West Ho Forest for a number of compliance targets to be met the end of August. Judge Kirkpatrick directed all slash and waste logging at the edge of skid sites be removed by February 14. Water controls to eliminate risk of erosion must be completed by February 28. Ernslaw chief executive Darren Munn has since been assigned as fulfilling the monitoring role until the works in the order are complete. Shannon Pitman is a Whangārei based reporter for Open Justice covering courts in the Te Tai Tokerau region. She is of Ngāpuhi/ Ngāti Pūkenga descent and has worked in digital media for the past five years. She joined 九一星空无限 in 2023. Wed, 15 Jan 2025 04:42:11 Z /news/upper-north-island/coromandel-wildfire-firefighting-efforts-affect-residents-water-supply/ /news/upper-north-island/coromandel-wildfire-firefighting-efforts-affect-residents-water-supply/ Due to potential water contamination from firefighting efforts on the Black Jack fireground in Coromandel, property owners connected to the Tahunatorea Stream water supply are advised to switch off their intake. The advisory follows information received from Fire and Emergency New Zealand and as a precaution, due to the potential introduction of saltwater and firefighting retardant into the water source. Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) is providing alternative freshwater services while water testing continues. Council’s civil defence and emergency manager Brian Carter said, water testing is currently under way with council infrastructure contractor Veolia, according to NZ water standards. “The samples are currently being analysed and is expected to be complete in the next 48 hours.” Fire and Emergency’s incident controller Shane Bromley said, aerial operations to suppress the fire included using Class A foam, which had been used on the fireground outside Tahunatorea Stream’s watershed. Fire and Emergency NZ fire fighters battling a vegetation fire on Black Jack Rd, Kūaotunu in the Coromandel Peninsula on Saturday night which continued on into Sunday. Photo / Coromandel's CFM / Supplied “Residents were advised to disconnect their water intakes once aerial operations moved into that catchment.” He said the advice for disconnecting water intakes is a standard measure until water test results have been received. “The information provided by the manufacturers of the foam is that in its diluted form, as used on the fireground, it has no health impacts on humans or animals. It is fully biodegradable.” In the meantime, Carter from TCDC said freshwater tankers, provided by a third-party contractor are ensuring affected residents have access to clean drinking water. “These tankers will stay on-site throughout the water testing process and will continue supplying fresh water if any contamination is confirmed.” Water testing is currently under way to determine if contaminants are present. Meanwhile, firefighters continued to extinguish areas of “deep-seated” burning on the fireground today. Crews have been battling strong winds and steep terrain to fight the fire at Kūaotunu, which broke out on Saturday. Last night, a drone team identified a further 14 hotspots using thermal imaging, and these were targeted by ground crews today, with the support of a helicopter and monsoon bucket, Fire and Emergency said in an update this morning. Malisha Kumar is a multimedia journalist based in Hamilton. She joined the Waikato Herald in 2023 after working for Radio 1XX in Whakatāne. Wed, 15 Jan 2025 04:19:40 Z /news/upper-north-island/edgecumbe-flood-claims-could-cost-council-7m-in-legal-fees/ /news/upper-north-island/edgecumbe-flood-claims-could-cost-council-7m-in-legal-fees/ The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has estimated it will cost up to $7 million to litigate claims brought against it in regard to the Edgecumbe flood eight years ago. Regional council chairman Doug Leeder said the cases raised issues across the local government sector in terms of how they deal with natural disasters. “The sad reality is that there is only one group of people that will end up paying for that, and that is the community by way of ratepayers.” On April 6, 2017, Edgecumbe was flooded because of the breach of a Rangitāiki River floodwall at College Rd. In May 2023, the regional council was served with two legal claims in relation to the flood, just a month before the statute of limitations expired. Shine Lawyers has since filed proceedings in the High Court in Rotorua on behalf of four Edgecumbe residents and one business, seeking damages of just under $4m plus costs and interest on the damages. Flooding damage in Edgecumbe and other riverside and coastal towns have planners looking at consent changes for at-risk areas. Photo / Andrew Warner Insurance company IAG, which also issues insurance under the brands AMI, State, NZI, NAC and Lumley, is also suing the regional council and announced in April 2024 that it had been joined by insurers QBE, Vero, Tower and AA Insurance. IAG said it was also suing Whakatāne District Council. In a report to the regional council in December, staff described the action as “the first proceeding of this scale against a local authority”. “Based on information available, council currently considers it is in the best interests of the community to defend these claims.” Damage after the Edgecumbe floods. External costs of the defence, should the matter proceed to a full trial, were expected to be as much as $7m, which exceeded the council’s insurance limit for legal costs of $2m. The council voted to set aside $5m through the Regional Fund Reserve for these additional expenses and delegated authority to the chief executive to approve expenditure on costs relating to representative class action litigation. Leeder told Local Democracy Reporting that although regional councils were responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of flood defences, it was not realistic to be able to defend against every adverse event. “It does raise issues across the sector for regional councils in terms of their approach to dealing with these issues,” he said. “What is the future position of insurers going to be where there are adverse events that cause damage to property? “Hawke’s Bay, West Coast, Canterbury, or any regional council that’s had a significant event that’s caused damage to people’s insured property, are going to be looking at whether they are next in terms of insurers filing claims within the statute of limitations.” - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. Wed, 15 Jan 2025 01:43:48 Z /news/upper-north-island/power-restored-to-531-homes-in-mount-maunganui/ /news/upper-north-island/power-restored-to-531-homes-in-mount-maunganui/ Power has been restored to 531 properties in Mount Maunganui after a tree branch landed on power lines on Concord Ave at 3.45pm today, said a PowerCo spokesperson. A caller to 0800SUNLIVE from Mount Maunganui said, “We just heard this massive bang and then our power went out”. The power was restored at 4.17pm. The PowerCo spokesperson said: “When overgrown, trees can interfere with power lines, cause outages and make it difficult for our crews to restore power. Trees in lines also pose a fire risk.” Property owners were legally required to keep trees a minimum safe distance away from overhead lines under the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations. “If your tree grows too close, you must get it trimmed by an approved contractor.” Find out more about the regulations here: https://www.powerco.co.nz/safety/tree-safety-near-power-lines Tue, 14 Jan 2025 05:12:13 Z /news/upper-north-island/huntly-prowling-incidents-late-night-naked-antics-chicken-coop-surprise-for-residents/ /news/upper-north-island/huntly-prowling-incidents-late-night-naked-antics-chicken-coop-surprise-for-residents/ What the cluck? Naked and weird goings-on kept residents of a small Waikato town up at night over the weekend. In one incident, a person entered a Huntly property on Bailey St, was trapped in a chicken coop, and cut through the wiring to escape leaving a “person-sized” hole, despite there being an exit door right next to their escape route. The other incident involved a “naked drunk man” knocking on a front door and trying to enter a home that wasn’t his on James Henry Cres, also in Huntly. Both incidents happened in the early hours of Saturday morning and police said inquiries were ongoing. The owner of the chicken coop, Renee Clarke, posted on social media that she heard random comings and goings around midnight, and then around 2am woke up with a fright to someone “booking it down our driveway towards the road”. The next morning when she was getting ready to head out with her family a chook approached her - something she found odd as they’re always contained in the run, and not usually let out. The "person-sized" hole that was left in a chicken coop in Huntly, after someone had broken into it and escaped through the wiring. Photo / Renée Clarke She picked up the chook and headed to the run to discover their coop had been broken into overnight, and now sported a large “person-sized hole” right by the entry/exit door. Clarke told the Waikato Herald the incident was just “hilarious.” “Nothing else was damaged and from what we can tell nothing was stolen thankfully,” she said. All her chooks were accounted for. “Thankfully, I came away from this incident not feeling afraid. We frequently pray and have wonderful neighbours that look out for each other, and I came away from the situation laughing more than anything. “I really wish we had a camera that recorded the whole thing, it would’ve been hilarious to play back.” A resident on nearby James Henry Cres alerted her of an incident the same night at his home involving a “naked drunk man” coming to his house, trying to break in through a window, and then knocking on the front door. The incident occurred shortly after the incident with her chicken coop, around 2.30am. Waikato Herald approached the neighbour who didn’t want to comment further but did confirm the incident. The neighbour said the man came to his house the next day and apologised. Police said they received a report of a person unlawfully on a property in Bailey St on January 11. “It doesn’t appear any items were taken however, there was minor damage to property.” Around 2.40am on the same day, police also received a report of a person unlawfully on a property in James Henry Cres. “It does not appear entry was gained to the property, and area inquiries were made at the time to locate the person, however were unsuccessful. “Inquiries are ongoing.” Malisha Kumar is a multimedia journalist based in Hamilton. She joined the Waikato Herald in 2023 after working for Radio 1XX in Whakatāne. Tue, 14 Jan 2025 01:12:24 Z /news/upper-north-island/police-charge-man-with-murder-in-thames-homicide-investigation-victim-s-name-released/ /news/upper-north-island/police-charge-man-with-murder-in-thames-homicide-investigation-victim-s-name-released/ Police have charged a 28-year-old with murder after a 60-year-old died in Thames. The victim was found with moderate injuries on Rolleston Street and died at Thames Hospital. Police are seeking information from anyone who witnessed an altercation on Monday afternoon. Police have arrested and charged a 28-year-old with murder after a man died in Thames this week. Police were called to an address on Rolleston Street about 3.40pm on Monday where a man was found with moderate injuries. The man was taken to Thames Hospital where his condition continued to decline and he died. On Wednesday police said a 28-year-old man is due to appear in the Kaitaia District Court on 16 January charged with murder. They’ve also released the name of the person who died. He was 60-year-old Maxwell Connor of Thames. On Tuesday a section of Rolleston St was cordoned off by police with a gazebo erected outside a property. A street in Thames is currently cordoned off by police with a gazebo erected outside a property. A nearby resident said his neighbour told him he heard foul language on Monday afternoonand threats, including the words, “I’m going to rape you”. The resident said the house police were investigating had been renovated “a couple of months ago”. “It’s not a rough area, it’s just the odd house which gets rough people,” he said. The daughter of a woman living nearby to the property being investigated said her mum heard “loud yelling” from about 4pm on Monday. The woman didn’t hear anything specific about the yelling, but she told her daughter it was a shared driveway with new tenants, who played their music “very loudly”. “That’s not unusual for that place though, there’s a couple of state houses down there that are all as bad as each other, and the police is always there.” After the yelling, her mum saw police cars soon after, and then officers went around the street to let residents know they’d be staying overnight. On Tuesday morning, her mum said detectives were seen “looking over fences and making sure nothing was chucked in people’s front or backyards.” Police are continuing to appeal to anyone with information to come forward. “In particular we would like to hear from anyone who witnessed an altercation in Rolleston St at around 3.40pm on Monday afternoon,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kristine Clarke said in a statement. “If you have any information, please contact Police via 105 either online or over the phone referencing file number: 250113/5723″ Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:40:47 Z /news/upper-north-island/northland-retirees-on-tandem-e-bike-raise-5000-for-bald-angels-trust/ /news/upper-north-island/northland-retirees-on-tandem-e-bike-raise-5000-for-bald-angels-trust/ The Northland retirees riding 7500km around Aotearoa on a tandem e-bike for charity are back in Kerikeri recharging their batteries before embarking on the last leg of their adventure. Cliff Mail, 72, and his wife Ruth, also 72, set out on their epic journey from Kerikeri on October 12 to raise awareness and funds for the Bald Angels Charitable Trust. They reached Invercargill on December 16 and flew home to Kerikeri, where they have been recouping for a few weeks. Cliff said they have so far pedalled4358km of their unsupported circuit of the country and raised over $5000 in donations via Givealittle. Cliff – who has been penning exceptional updates on his website The Angel Tandem: Adventures on the wrong side of 60 - said the pair had been “lucky with the weather” and had met lots of interesting people along the way. “We found the tandem attracts people wherever we stop, someone will come over and talk to us. “They would come over and ask us what we were doing. “Being a couple of older people with a tandem was interesting to people.” The two septuagenarians, both avid cyclists, decided to embark on the ride last year. Along the way, they are visiting lighthouses because they symbolise hope and “that is what we hope to deliver to some vulnerable children in Tai Tokerau”. Cliff and Ruth Mail tackle a narrow road along the East Cape. The Mails are staying in a mix of accommodations, including high country stations, backpackers, campsites, farm stays and, when there’s nothing else, their tent. Cliff said the first two months of the trip, along the eastern side of New Zealand, had already provided many adventures. Large truck and trailer units on narrow state highways caused a few anxious moments, Ruth got a touch of food poisoning in Whangārei, and they both caught Covid near Invercargill. Wind in the South Island was so strong at one point, that Cliff and his friend Rod Brown, who replaced Ruth for a brief stint on the bike, were blown off the tandem. The man who rescued them from the roadside ran a local community radio station and invited the Mails to go on air to talk about their trip and the Bald Angels. Kerikeri residents Ruth and Cliff Mail are two months into their bike trip around Aotearoa. Photo / Jenny Ling Overall, the couple have been encouraged by the “kindness of people we came across,” Cliff said. “It’s good to see the community spirit that was alive and well in the smaller towns. “Particularly some towns that don’t have a great reputation like Ōpōtiki and Wairoa, the people were extremely friendly. “At a cafe in Matamata someone asked what we were doing and they spontaneously said, ‘We’ll shout you lunch’.” Ruth at a scenic spot on Wards Pass in Marlborough. Another friendly local in Paparoa, Northland “when he found out what we were doing, he gave us a $5 note then ran to his vehicle and came back with some change and said ‘have my coffee money as well’. “We tend to have this view of the world as not a very friendly place, but we found everyone was extremely friendly to us,” Cliff said. The Mails will fly back to Invercargill on January 20 to resume their fundraising bike ride up the western side of the country. They aim to complete the trip by mid-March. “It’s been an amazing experience and it’s not over,” Cliff said. Donations can be made via Givealittle. Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with roading, lifestyle, business, and animal welfare issues. Mon, 13 Jan 2025 03:10:40 Z /news/upper-north-island/holidaymaker-killed-in-sh25-crash-before-christmas-was-us-citizen/ /news/upper-north-island/holidaymaker-killed-in-sh25-crash-before-christmas-was-us-citizen/ Police have named US tourist Marcia Diana Shattuck as the victim of a fatal crash in Waikato before Christmas. The 58-year-old American citizen was on holiday in New Zealand when she died in a crash on State Highway 25in Orongo on December 19. In a statement released today, police said Shattuck was visiting the country on holiday. “Police extend our sympathies to her family and loved ones,” the statement said. “Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.” Shattuck was one of 13 people killed on New Zealand roads over the holidays. The two-vehicle crash was first reported to emergency services just after 10.10am on December 19. Shattuck died at the scene. Two other people were seriously injured. Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:20:34 Z /news/upper-north-island/k%C4%81inga-ora-50-house-battery-hen-development-in-northland-scrapped-for-now/ /news/upper-north-island/k%C4%81inga-ora-50-house-battery-hen-development-in-northland-scrapped-for-now/ A 50-house state housing project in Northland, described by one neighbour as a “battery hen development”, has been shelved with existing units being upgraded for letting. But Kāinga Ora is reluctant to turn its back on the Ruakākā development, saying there is potential for it to be assessed again in future. The controversial proposal, first floated in late 2023, was to replace 16 state houses with 50 new two-storey homes, in a block across Tiki Pl, Tamingi St and Peter Snell Rd. The proposal caused considerable disruption to the existing tenants, including many elderly who had lived in their state house for decades, said their unofficial spokeswoman, Tui Roman snr, who lives in a Kāinga Ora home near to those affected. Residents and neighbours feared the intensity of the development would change the close-knit feel of the community. One neighbour described it as a ghetto, with high density, multi-storey, “battery hen” blocks. The community was also fearful of crime, after three homicides on Peter Snell Rd in 2023. In July 2024, Kāinga Ora started to review its social housing projects, including the Ruakākā proposal, after the debt-laden agency was required to improve its financial performance. At the time, Northland regional director Jeff Murray said the community would be kept informed as projects were assessed and decisions made. Roman said the Ruakākā community has not had any further information from Kāinga Ora. But she and fellow neighbours noticed extensive renovation work is now being done on some of the 16 state houses that were vacated to make way for the development. “They’re now doing them up to put tenants back in ... We’re pretty happy about that,” Roman said. Ruakākā resident Tui Roman snr is pleased vacated houses slated for high-density replacement are now being renovated. Photo / Denise Piper Murray confirmed the 50-home Ruakākā project would not be going ahead in its build 2025/26 build programme but said there is potential for it to be assessed again in future programmes. Nine of the 16 existing homes are currently vacant, and repairs are under way in five of these homes so they can be tenanted again, he said. “Our dedicated placement teams will start the re-tenanting process once repairs are complete, ensuring local need is prioritised.” Murray would not say what the budget is for the renovations, nor what new tenants are being told about the potential for development. Roman said she feared further disruption a few years down the line, if the proposal is brought to light again. “Is this going to happen again, where they [tenants] are going to get bullied out again after getting comfortable? It was heart-wrenching for the tenants having to move out after 40 years.” While the disruption caused anxiety for residents, Roman admitted many moved to a new development further down Peter Snell Rd and are now well settled. Another neighbour, John Bennett, is also worried if the upgraded homes will be tenanted long-term. He has also raised concerns about the costs spent on the development - with Kāinga Ora spending nearly $900,000 - plus the cost of the repairs. Murray said $882,000 was spend on the planning, design and consenting for the Ruakākā proposal. This cost, of $17,640 per unit, was budgeted for and compares favourably with similar redevelopment projects of this scale. A further $13,000 was spent on community engagement, including venue hire, advertising and mail drops. Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference. Sun, 12 Jan 2025 23:11:52 Z /news/upper-north-island/matamata-fatal-crash-victim-named-as-john-michael-hickey/ /news/upper-north-island/matamata-fatal-crash-victim-named-as-john-michael-hickey/ Police have named the cyclist who was killed in a crash in Matamata on January 2. He was 69-year-old John Michael Hickey, from New Plymouth. Police released Hickey’s name in a statement today. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time,” the statement said. “Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.” Hickey’s bicycle was involved in a crash with a vehicle about 10.35am on Hopkins Rd, Matamata on January 2. Emergency services were called to the scene and found Hickey in a critical condition. His death at the scene brought the summer holiday road death toll to 12. A post on Cycling New Plymouth’s Facebook page extended sympathies to Hickey’s loved ones. “John died in a tragic accident doing the Tour Aotearoa in Matamata.” Hickey’s obituary said the 69-year-old died as the “result of a tragic accident, doing what he loved”. Hickey was described as a “dearly loved” husband and best friend, an adored father, father-in-law, granddad, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and great-uncle. A service celebrating Hickey’s life was held at EagarsTe Henui Chapel in New Plymouth on Thursday. Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times. Sun, 12 Jan 2025 22:36:45 Z /news/upper-north-island/hamilton-mayor-will-not-seek-re-election-later-this-year/ /news/upper-north-island/hamilton-mayor-will-not-seek-re-election-later-this-year/ Hamilton’s Mayor Paula Southgate, first elected in 2019, will not be running for re-election this year. In a Facebook post, Southgate announced that it was time for a change. “It is now time to make way for younger, emerging leaders, and to more spend time with my friends and family. “I will not be standing for re-election later this year.” However, Southgate said that she remains with the council for now. “There is important work to complete, and I remain 100% COMMITTED to the Council and the city I love until October. I am fully focused on leading through some of the biggest challenges and changes Councils have faced in over a decade,” she said. Before becoming mayor in 2019, Southgate was a city councillor and previously the chairperson of the Waikato Regional Council. She was thankful for the support and partnership over the last 24 years. “I am grateful. It will be a big year, but I know that through working together, good things happen for our city. “So let’s make 2025 a good year for our fast growing and fabulous city.” The 2025 election will be held in October. Sun, 12 Jan 2025 21:48:36 Z /news/upper-north-island/h%C4%81hei-beach-tragedy-youngster-dies-in-cliff-fall-investigation-under-way/ /news/upper-north-island/h%C4%81hei-beach-tragedy-youngster-dies-in-cliff-fall-investigation-under-way/ By RNZ The Thames-Coromandel district mayor says there will be an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a young person who fell from a cliff near Hāhei Beach in Coromandel at the weekend. Police said two people, both under 18, fell from a cliff on Saturday evening; one died at the scene, the other was rescued uninjured. The northern end of Hāhei Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, where the tragedy happened. Photo / Al Williams Mayor Len Salt said details of the incident were still coming in and there would be an investigation into the circumstances behind what happened. “Our hearts go out to the families and the loved ones of the young person who lost their life ... it’s heartbreaking to happen at any time of the year, certainly at this time.” Further details about exactly what happened would come from the police or St John, he said. “We understand it was the north end of Hāhei in a cliff area, I’m still waiting for a full briefing.” “We understand it was the north end of Hāhei in a cliff area, I’m still waiting for a full briefing”, says the mayor. Photo / Al Williams On Sunday, the Department of Conservation said the track in Hāhei was not a DoC track. Salt said it was possible it was a council track. “That area there has a mix of DoC land, there’s some council responsibility for some of the beachfront area and there’s a lot of private land which is above those tracks as well, and there’s a number of walking tracks and beach access areas as well down there. “It’s a tricky area, we always encourage people to stay to the tracks to make sure that, especially after dark, that they take extra care.” Hāhei Beach. Photo / SunLive Asked whether there was appropriate signage in the area, Salt said the council went “to extraordinary lengths” to put up appropriate signs and give guidance to people in tracks and access areas that could be dangerous or might have difficult access, but in this case the details were not available. The local community was upset after the fatal incident, he said. “It’s never easy for communities to manage, but in this case where you’ve got a young person who’s lost a life in a holiday community, an area where people go to enjoy their summer, it has an effect, there’s no doubt about it.” - RNZ Sun, 12 Jan 2025 21:45:49 Z