Kerikeri misses out
Kerikeri has been pipped for the title of New Zealand's most beautiful large town by the Manawatu town of Feilding. The winner was announced at the Keep New Zealand Beautiful awards in Hawke's Bay on Friday evening.
The other finalist was Cambridge in the Waikato. Other category winners included Masterton, Wairarapa (most beautiful city) and Greytown, also in the Wairarapa (most beautiful small town).
Hurt motorcyclist airlifted
A motorcyclist has been airlifted to hospital after a crash on State Highway 1 just south of Cape Reinga.
The accident occurred about 10.30am yesterday when the rider, thought to be in his 50s, slid off the road, through gravel and into a fence as he was rounding a corner near the Department of Conservation's Te Paki headquarters.
First at the scene were nurses from Whakawhiti Ora Pai medical centre in Te Kao, followed by the Houhora Rural Fire Force and St John Ambulance.
Firefighter Guy Herring said the rider was lucky to have suffered only suspected broken ribs. The Northland Rescue Helicopter landed on a helipad at the DoC base, about 30m from the crash scene, and flew him to Whangarei Hospital.
Blaze engulfs car
A car has been completely burnt out in a fire in the Mid North. Two fire appliances from Kawakawa were sent to Waikare Rd about 10.15pm on Sunday after reports of a car on fire. A Fire Service northern communications spokeswoman said the vehicle was fully involved when firefighters arrived. Police are investigating.
Big Baha'i day
Northland's Baha'i community will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the faith's founder in Whangarei next weekend. Communities around the world are preparing to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha'u'llah.
On Sunday celebrations are open to all as the community gathers together to mark the occasion at the Interactive Learning Centre at NorthTec, in Raumanga, Whangarei, from 2.30pm. Whangarei singer Kawiti Waetford will perform at the celebrations.