Northland news in briefs

Suspicious fire

A fire that burnt a small building the ground in Whakapara is being treated as suspicious. A fire communications spokesman said two crews from the Hikurangi Fire Brigade were called to Russell Rd about 1am yesterday to a 5m by 5m building. Police and a fire investigator attended the scene.

Empty-chute alert

A parachute without the skydiver sparked a police callout in Whangarei yesterday. Whangarei police senior sergeant Cliff Metcalfe said a man jumping out of a plane in Onerahi cut his main chute after having problems with it and used a reserve shoot to jump. The drifting main chute prompted concerned members of the public to call police. The skydiver landed safely.

Renal patients meet

More than 30 people attended a recent get-together in Kerikeri for remote renal outpatients who require home dialysis. Among the 30 people at the Contact Energy Renal Fund Seminar were 16 patients who shared their experiences of living independently while being prepared for emergencies, especially the impact of power cuts on dialysis equipment. Social isolation was another theme discussed.

Delta Keys date

The Delta Keys gig at The Old Stone Butter Factory is on Friday, December 9, from 8pm, not Thursday as stated in Saturday's Advocate. Delta Keys is two women with a passion for soul and grooves. We apologise for the error.

Wanted man sought

Northland police are urging the public to report sightings of a wanted man with a distinctive tattoo under his eyes. Anthony Gene Wharton has warrants for his arrest after failing to appear in court on drugs, firearms, dishonesty and driving offences. The 42-year-old, who was last seen in Kerikeri, has "Black Power" tattooed backwards under his eyes. He presumably did the tattoo himself in a mirror. Police urge members of the public not to approach Wharton but to call 111 if they see him.