Two Far North men on the run from police after sparking Armed Offenders Squad callouts in separate incidents earlier this week have been arrested.
A 32-year-old man who twice managed to evade police in Kawakawa on Tuesday wasn't so lucky when officers caught up with him at a house in Moerewa about 4.30pm yesterday. Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said the wanted man tried to flee on foot, ''but he was matched against a couple of very athletic young officers from the Mid North who were able to mow him down''.
He would appear in the Kaikohe District Court today charged with wounding, sexual violation, firearms offences, failing to stop, and unlawful taking of motor vehicles. Mr Johnston said police were very pleased with the response from residents of the Kawakawa-Moerewa area to their appeal for information about his whereabouts.
Meanwhile, the 44-year-old man wanted for allegedly firing multiple shots at a house in Ahipara on Monday was also caught yesterday. Detective Sergeant Mark Dalzell said he was arrested without incident and would appear in the Kaitaia District Court today charged with assault with a weapon. Further charges were likely.
Read more: Two men arrested after AOS callouts at Ahipara and Kawakawa this week
Garage gutted in fire
A garage was completely destroyed in an early morning fire but firefighters managed to save an adjacent house. Fire appliances from Onerahi and Whangarei Heads rushed to a property in Parua Bay about 5.30am Wednesday but the garage was fully involved when they arrived. They managed to save a house about 5m away from the garage. How the fire started is still being investigated.
LIC proposal
LIC will meet with its farmer shareholders in Northland next week to discuss a proposal to simplify the co-operative's share structure. The three shareholder roadshow meetings in Northland are being held in 53 towns around the country, hosted by LIC directors, senior managers and shareholder councillors.
The meetings will give farmers the chance to learn more about the proposal and ask questions before they vote on the proposal. Kerikeri will host the first meeting at 11am on Monday at Okaihau Golf Club, followed by Whangarei at 7.30pm at Cheviot Park Motel that evening. The third meeting is at the Ruawai Community Sports Club at 11am on Tuesday.