Hospitality finalists
Two Northland hospitality providers have been selected as finalists in the 2017 hospitality New Zealand awards for excellence. Wahi at Oceans, Tutukaka is a finalist in the best environmental/sustainable business category and Stay Kerikeri in the best redeveloped accommodation section. They are among 54 award finalists spread across 16 separate categories. Winners will be announced at Hospitality NZ's national conference in Wellington on October 19.
Crowbar attack allegedA 20-year-old male has been charged with aggravated burglary and wounding with intent after allegedly attacking a Kaitaia house occupant with a crowbar. He entered the Vega St through the back door on Thursday night, demanded food and money from the occupant then struck the victim with the crowbar. A police dog unit tracked the man to the property next door where he was arrested.
Predator focus funded
The Ministry of Conservation stumped up an extra $300,000 in the 2017-18 year in Predator-Free 2050 funding nationwide, not specifically for Northland projects.
It would also provide grants up to $10,000 for local Predator-Free 2050 strategies.
The $300,000 will go the employment of nine department of conservation rangers who will identify regional needs, set up "trap libraries", other shared community resources and liaison between iwi, community groups and agencies.
Paroled prisoner sought
A man police are warning the public not to appraoch has a parole recall warrant and has links to Northland. Police are seeking 54-year-old Jerry Heremia Pirini, who has warrants to arrest for breach of release conditions. He has links throughout the Northland and Auckland areas. Pirini is described as being 188cm and of solid build. He has several tattoos, including a spider web on his right forearm, four stars on his cheek, a scroll on his upper arm and a large Maori design on his neck and upper arms. If you see Pirini, do not approach him and call 111 immediately. Information on his whereabouts can be provided to the Whangarei police station on (09) 430 8903.
Home tutors course
English Language Partners Northland is calling on volunteers to apply to attend a home tutor training course from next month. Manager Megan Cochrane said those selected would participate in a 20-hour course over three days on September 22, 23 and 29 before they qualified as home tutors. A maximum of 20 participants will be chosen. For more information or those wishing to apply should do so through www.englishlanguage.org.nz/esol-home-tutor-training.
Mangapai meeting
Residents of Mangapai and surrounding areas are getting together on Sunday to discuss their concerns and confusion about NZTA's proposed plans to upgrade the highway between Whangarei and Te Hana. In the section from Whangarei to Ruakaka, four options are proposed, and residents are concerned Option C will cut right through their community. The meeting is at the Mangapai Hall tomorrow, and starts at 3pm. Hall committee member Jan Poulson said councillor Phil Halse would attend and she expected the hall would be full.
Indecent assault charge
A 41-year-old Raumanga man with gang links has been remanded in custody after being charged with indecently assaulting a female under 12. He also faces a charge of unlawful connection with a female over 16 and supplying methamphetamine. He will reappear in the Whangarei District Court on September 12.