News briefs from around Northland

Crash victims named

The three people who died in a multiple-vehicle crash south of Whangarei have been named.

They were 22-year-old Melissa Pauler from Germany, 52-year-old Fiona Elizabeth Cocker [nee Anderson] and 54-year-old Kevin Andrew Cocker of Tomarata.

The fatal crash, at a well-known accident black spot on State Highway 1 south of Whangarei, at Oakleigh, happened about 11.15am last Wednesday. The Serious Crash Unit continues to investigate.

Lucky Lotto winner in Tauranga

A lucky Lotto player from Tauranga is $1million richer after winning Lotto First Division on Saturday.

Powerball was not struck and has rolled over to Wednesday night, where the jackpot will be $27 million. Strike Four has rolled over and will be $300,000 on Wednesday night.

The Lotto numbers were 03, 05, 12, 25, 28 and 40 with bonus ball 34 and Powerball number 10. The Strike numbers were 05, 28, 12 and 25.

Sandy Hitchcock, Gemma McCaw part of all female commentary team

A former Northlander and Black Stick Sandy Hitchcock (nee Bennett) is part of the television commentary team covering the Sentinel Homes Women's Hockey World League Final, in Auckland this November.

She will be joined by former Black Stick Gemma McCaw as part of an all-female commentary team for SKY Sport. The tournament takes place at North Harbour Hockey Stadium between November 17-26 and will be LIVE on SKY Sport 4. Featuring eight of the world's best national hockey teams, they will battle over 22 matches in 10 days.