Cyclist death referred to coroner
The death of a 61-year-old Whangarei man while cycling the Okaihau-Horeke bike trail on Sunday is thought to have been due to a medical event. The man's companions attempted CPR after finding him unresponsive beside his bike about 5.30pm but were unable to revive him. His death has been referred to the coroner.
Driver held in custody
A Kerikeri man who was on bail for drink-driving was held in custody after allegedly recording almost three times the legal breath-alcohol limit when he was pulled over on Friday night.
Kerikeri police Sergeant Ross Laurie said a member of the public reported the man "swerving all over the road" and narrowly avoiding a head-on crash with a truck as he was driving north on State Highway 1.
Police stopped him in Kawakawa where he blew 720 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The limit is 250mcg. They also found a number of bottles of alcohol on the seat beside him, he said.
Because the man was breaching a bail condition to not drink and drive he was arrested and held in custody, and appeared in the Whangarei District Court on Saturday. He was on his way from Drury to Kerikeri at the time.
Electric touring vehicles in Paihia
A fleet of electric cars taking part in the #LeadingTheCharge tour from Bluff to Cape Reinga will be parked at Paihia's Village Green from 4pm today. Vehicles on display will include electric Tesla Model S and Model X, BMW I3, Hyundai Ionic, Renault Zoe and others.
McInnes finalist in awards
Far North Deputy Mayor Tania McInnes is a finalist in the 2017 Women in Governance Awards with the winner due to be announced on May 18 in Auckland. Ms McInnes is nominated in the gender advocacy category along with Liz Dawson and Linda Robertson.
The awards are run by Governance New Zealand to "recognise and celebrate innovation, excellence, creativity and commitment to diversity by both organisations and individuals".