Man found dead
Whangarei police are investigating the sudden death of a man in a rural Northland community. St John paramedics rushed to Punaruku, 33km north of Hikurangi, just after 3pm yesterday, followed by police. A Northland Electricity Rescue Trust helicopter was called but the young man was pronounced dead on its arrival. A northern police communication spokeswoman confirmed two police units were at the scene late yesterday talking to witnesses in the house where the deceased lived. Police refused to say whether the death was suspicious.
Thirty jobs created
Hiring of about 30 new staff for the new Whangarei Mitre 10 Mega store is expected to begin next month after job descriptions have been finalised, says Mitre 10 chief executive John Hartmann. He said most of the existing staff of about 35 would transfer to the new store, and a general manager had already been recruited. Now roofed, the 7200sq m Mega is expected to open in about 10 weeks' time and will be the first of four new Mitre 10 Mega stores opening this year under an ongoing expansion and upgrade programme. The store is on the corner of Porowini St and Kaka St.
Bag snatch accused
A man charged in relation to a series of bag snatches in Whangarei has been further remanded in custody because his lawyer was unavailable. Colin Daniel Tito, 23, machine operator, of Kensington, re-appeared in Whangarei District Court yesterday on 20 charges. He was remanded in custody until July 2. The charges include stealing three cars, plus five unlawful taking of vehicles and two of intentional damage to vehicles by fire. Six charges relate to robbing people of their bags between December last year and March, while he is also accused of stealing a briefcase containing $1245 belonging to the Returned Services Association.
Alleged arsonist held
A former Kerikeri man has again been remanded on bail while he awaits trial on a charge of burning down his $2.6 million home. Christopher John Robinson was yesterday remanded until July 16 in the Kaikohe District Court. Robinson has been accused of starting the fire which destroyed Killara Luxury Lodge on Ness Rd, near Kerikeri, on September 9 last year. He maintains he was in Hamilton when the fire started.