Environmental watchdog chief to talk
The retiring Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment is giving public two talks in the Far North before she leaves office after 10 years as the country's top environmental watchdog. Jan Wright will speak at Te Ahu in Kaitaia from 5.30pm on Tuesday, and at Kaeo Rugby Club on Whangaroa Rd from 7pm on Wednesday. Topics will include 'Predator Free 2050' and her investigations into the plight of native birds and the use of 1080 in pest control. The talks will be hosted by Te Rarawa Anga Mua, Te Papa Hapu o Whangaroa and Forest and Bird.
False alarm for firefighters
A helicopter and firefighters on their way to a scrub fire at Te Hapua on the shores of the Parengarenga Harbour were stood down yesterday afternoon. The blaze was in fact a controlled burnoff and the person responsible put it out himself. Fire appliances from Pukenui and Awanui plus a helicopter were stood down. The controlled burnoff was in the middle of a tea tree bush on flat land.
Election result is awaited
Just who will run the country for the next three years should start to become clear after 7pm tonight. The results from today's general election will start coming through progressively after the polls close at 7pm, the Electoral Commission said. However, the make up of the 52nd New Zealand Parliament probably won't become clearer until the preliminary results start being confirmed after 10pm. By that stage the percentage of the vote each party has gained should be known.
Don't forget to change clocks
Daylight saving begins early tomorrow, when clocks go forward an hour at 2am to become 3am. The change will run until April 1, 2018, when clocks go back an hour at 3am to 2am. People may find it convenient to advance their clocks by one hour before going to bed tonight. The change to daylight saving is also a good time for residents to check their household emergency plans, survival kits and home smoke alarms.
Top award for investigator
Former head of Northland police serious crime Commander Karyn Malthus, now Auckland District Commander, has been recognised by the Australasian Council of Women and Policing (ACWAP) for her leadership and work. It was in relation to Operation Clover - the review of the 'Roastbusters' investigation. She was one of two recipients awarded the Most Outstanding Female Investigator award, presented at the 2017 International Women & Law Enforcement Conference in Cairns, Australia this week.