Seafood off the menu in Far North.
Toxic shellfish warning
The Ministry for Primary Industries has advised the public not to collect or consume shellfish harvested between Rarawa Beach and Cape Karikari, including Houhora and Rangaunu harbours. Routine tests on shellfish samples had shown levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins above the safe limit of 0.8mg/kg set
by the MPI, creating the potential risk of illness. Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina and all other bivalve shellfish were covered by the warning, the ministry adding that cooking did not remove the toxin. Paua, crab and crayfish may be eaten safely if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. The ministry said monitoring of toxin levels would continue and any changes would be notified.
Lotto players $22k richer
Ten Lotto players, including a Northlander who bought a ticket in Ruakaka, will be starting the week with an extra spring in their step after each winning $22,163 with Lotto second division in Saturday night's live Lotto draw. The ticket was bought at Magascene in Ruakaka. Others were sold in Auckland, Pukekohe and Wellington.
Plea after car torched
Kaitaia police are appealing for information after a stolen car was found burned out on Gill Rd on Saturday. The car, which had been stolen from Kaitaia-Awaroa Rd earlier, was found burning about 11pm. Anybody with information can ring Kaitaia Police Station on 09 4080500 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
