Sirens tested
Tsunami sirens will be tested on the morning of Sunday, as part of twice-yearly checks which coincide with the beginning and end of daylight saving. The siren network - from Te Hapua in the north to Mangawhai in the south and Ruawai in the west - will sound twice: first at 9.20am for 10 minutes and again at 10am for just 30 seconds, and will be monitored for any faults. Northland already has more tsunami sirens than any other region in the country and new sirens continue to be added following last November's Kaikoura earthquake and the consequent tsunami warning.
Hurt woman stable
A Mid-North woman who suffered severe arm injuries when her arm was caught in machinery has now left intensive care and is in a stable condition in a ward at Whangarei Hospital. The 59-year-old became trapped in the power take-off drive she was using to drive a sprayer on the back of her tractor early Wednesday morning. It is understood she had to wait three hours at the property on State Highway 10 between Waipapa and Kaeo before she was found. Volunteer firefighters used cutting equipment to free her. She was flown to Whangarei in a critical condition by the Northland Rescue Helicopter.
Firelighting admitted
Three girls aged 15, 16 and 17 have admitted lighting a fire on Kerikeri Domain early on Saturday morning. The Kerikeri Fire Brigade was called out at 5.30am, finding a bonfire consuming a large pile of real estate magazines. Police, who found the girls nearby, have yet to decide whether they will be prosecuted.
Enrol now
Voters who aren't already enrolled need to do so by the end of today, to be able to vote in tomorrow's general election. "Election day is almost here and this is your last chance to enrol," says Alicia Wright, Chief Electoral Officer. "It's not too late, but you need to do it right now." People can enrol and vote at any advance voting place, or they can pick up an enrolment form at a PostShop. They can also download and return enrolment forms online at www.elections.org.nz.