Whangarei SPCA officers have investigated allegations alpacas and miniature horses at a Kamo property were being mistreated and found the animals were being cared for appropriately. Whangarei animal inspector Francine Shields said the animals had been visited a number of times and staff had worked with the owner and they had closed the case.
Baseball bat attack
A Whangarei man ended up in the emergency department at Whangarei Hospital after fending off a man with a baseball bat at Countdown early on Monday morning. It's believed the man and his team were on a break when he was attacked. Police confirmed they had a record of the incident but no one had been arrested.
Human bones discovered in a scrub area at Maungatapere have been handed over to the coroner for formal identification. Police say the remains could be that of a man who was reported missing about a year ago. Search and Rescue Sergeant Craig Burrows said the site where the bones were found on Saturday was outside the original search area they had combed 12 months ago. The death was not suspicious and police were just waiting for identification to be completed.
No charges laid
Police investigating a complaint from a member of the public regarding an "inappropriate" incident involving a man and a miniature horse in the Moerewa area have not laid any charges. A police spokeswoman said the case had been closed. The matter was reported to police on February 11.
The Far North District Council is to install speed bumps at Waipapakauri Ramp, six years after residents began asking for them. The council resolved last week to install four bumps, agreeing that six years of campaigning by locals was sufficient to gauge their views. There will be some informal consultation, however, to decide where they should go.
Advice on retirement village
Northlanders thinking of moving into a retirement village can get some free advice on what they need to consider before they make the decision to move. The Retirement Commission is running a free seminar in Whangarei next month to provide information and help answer some of the questions people have. The seminar includes practical tips and advice, so people can make informed decisions before they sign on the dotted line. The commission stressed it is not a marketing event. The 90 minute seminars are supported by the Retirement Villages Association and experienced lawyers. Registering is essential by ringing 0800 268 269 or online at www.eventfinda.co.nz/2017/thinking-of-living-in-retirement-village/whangarei. The event starts at 11.30am, March 3, at Whangarei RSA.