Four arrested
Police made four arrests after an estimated 40-plus people, reportedly armed with knives, axes and bats, engaged in a mass brawl in Masters' Street Kaitaia late on Saturday night. Additional officers from the next day's early shift, the Mid North and the Kaitaia CIB were called as reinforcements, police making four arrests before the situation was quelled.
A fifth man, who arrived at the Kaitaia police station next morning demanding that one of those arrested be released was also arrested and charged, a spokesman saying he had been identified as one of the main instigators.
Highway repairs
Night work has begun on repairing the road surface on State Highway 14 near Hospital Rd in Whangarei. Crews began the last night and will continue night work until mid May to complete the job. The NZ Transport Agency said the road will be reduced to one lane between 6.30pm and 5am during the roadworks.
There will be no work outside the Te Mai shops until after 9pm to reduce any disruption to businesses and customers.The final road surfacing is expected to be completed by the middle of May, however work will not be continuous and progress is dependent on fine weather.
Traffic lights have been installed at the intersection, and a median is being painted along the state highway from Hospital Rd to Silverstream Rd to make it safer for people coming into and out of their driveways.
Remembering war dead
The Kaeo community will commemorate those who have sacrificed their lives for King and country over three days, including a boat tour of World War II sites around Whangaroa Harbour and a visit to an old radar station.
Commemorations will start at 1pm on Sunday with a powhiri and blessing, followed by shared stories and presentations on local war heroes, at the Whangaroa Memorial Hall in Kaeo.
The boat tour will leave Whangaroa marina at 10am on Monday, followed by a light lunch at the game fishing club, while a bus trip to Radar Hill, where Fred Barnes will give a presentation on the history of the radar station will leave from Kaeo. Contact (09) 405-0212 to book a seat on the boat or bus.
Patient arrested
A patient at Bay of Islands Hospital who became abusive towards staff allegedly hit a doctor on his way out. Sergeant Phil Halton said the 25-year-old man allegedly punched a doctor about 2.30pm yesterday.
Officers arrested the man as he walked down the road. He will appear in court this week on a charge of assault.