Northland news in brief: Man in court after meth raid, missing Kaitaia girl sought, Paihia brawl, helicopter appeal

A man charged with possessing methamphetamine after a Whangarei property was raided by police last week has been remanded in custody.

Man remanded

One of two people charged with possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm during a police raid has been remanded in custody.

The 29-year-old man appeared in the Whangarei District Court on Saturday and was further remanded in custody until tomorrow when he and a female will both appear.
It will be the first appearance for the women, also 29, who faces similar charges. Both were arrested after police raided a house in Woodhill, near Whangarei, on Friday last week.

Missing Kaitaia girl

Police are calling for public assistance in locating 14-year-old Kaitaia girl Mya Heteraka, who has not made contact with her whanau since she left an address at Kaeo on April 14. Unconfirmed sightings had been reported in Kaitaia and Whangarei and Kaitaia. Police last week called for anyone who had any information in relation to her whereabouts, or had seen her recently, to contact the Kaikohe station on (09) 405-2960. Police and the teenager's family had concerns for her safety.

Paihia brawl

Paihia's King St was the scene of a brawl on Saturday night after a fight started between people outside a nightclub hosting a DJ show.

The police were called after several other people joined in the fracas but the fighting had broken up by the time police arrived.

No arrests were made. Sergeant Ross Laurie, of Kerikeri Police, said it was not unusual to be called to King St, where there were several bars.

Chopper Appeal

Westpac is using this year's Chopper Appeal to highlight the role of helicopter crews in rugged, rural and remote locations — what Westpac describes as ''Chopper Country''.

This month's appeal involves fundraising activities in schools and communities, and a nationwide street appeal on Friday, May 18. Donations may be made at any Westpac branch, at www.chopperappeal.co.nz, or text your postcode to 2449 to make a $3 contribution.

All money raised in Northland will go to the Northland Rescue Helicopter service.