Gita runs out of puff
As Cyclone Gita moved away from Northland, the strongest wind gusts in the region were 90km/h recorded in Cape Reinga yesterday morning. Kaitaia recorded 65km/h but gusts in other towns around the region were nowhere near those readings. MetService said wind gusts should ease as the cyclone headed southeast towards the top of the South Island. Cloudy periods with intermittent showers are in store for Northland for the rest of this week.
Nurse in disaster zone
Whangarei nurse and midwife Donna Collins is in Tonga carrying out disaster relief work after Tropical Cyclone Gita. She will help stop the spread of dengue fever during her two weeks on the island. Ms Collins is part of the International Federation of Red Cross health team.
Happy Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year celebrations will be held at Forum North in Whangarei on Saturday.
Northland Chinese Association is organising the evening from 5pm featuring a traditional Chinese dinner and cultural performances by acclaimed Chinese artists. Tickets are $20 adults, $10 for association members and students, while kids under 5 are free.
American tourist dies
A US tourist has died after a suspected medical event in a Paihia timeshare. The incident occurred about 5.15pm on Monday at Club Paihia on Williams Rd with emergency services initially told the man was choking.
A defibrillator from the nearby Ex-Servicemen's Club was also used but the man could not be revived. Police say the 67-year-old had been enjoying the sights of Paihia with his wife when he started feeling unwell so returned to his accommodation. Rescue vessel for Tinopai
A Coastguard rescue vessel on loan to North Kaipara volunteers has been handed over permanently to help save lives on one of the world's largest harbours. The rigid-hulled inflatable craft Manaia Rescue, formerly a stand-by boat with Whangarei Coastguard, will now be based at Tinopai, on the Hukatere Peninsula south of Matakohe.
It will be able to respond to call-outs anywhere on the Kaipara Harbour where last year there were 14 Coastguard-assisted incidents. North Kaipara volunteers are also co-ordinating the build of a shared emergency services shed at Tinopai wharf.