$6.8 million classroom block to open, meth suspect held in custody

WGHS classroom opening

A $6.8 million classroom block at Whangarei Girls High School will be officially opened next week. Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai will on March 29 open the new 10-classroom block that was completed at the end of last year. The new rooms will cater for the school's growing roll, from 1108 in 2010 to 1400 last year.

Meth charges
A Northlander facing six charges of supplying methamphetamine has been further remanded in custody. Shane Legg, 34, a gib stopper of Ruawai, appeared in the Whangarei District Court on Monday on six charges of supplying meth, one of driving while disqualified and another of breach of supervision. He will reappear via audio visual link on April 30.

Crimefighting meeting
Organisers of a Kaitaia community crimefighting scheme that involves people blasting air horns if they see crime or suspicious activity are holding a public meeting tonight. The new crimefighting method is the brainchild of Matt Hobman and was sparked after a neighbour expressed concern about her grandmother. The idea has taken off with around 80 air horns sold by fellow-organiser John Hunter, of Kaitaia Hunting and Fishing. The meeting tonight, at 5pm in the carpark outside Hunting and Fishing on Commerce St, is to help those keen on using the air horns and to also develop a protocol.

Red Puppy Appeal
Clarke Gayford is one of more than 2300 volunteers who have signed up around the country to collect for this week's Red Puppy Appeal on Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24. The collection supports the Blind Foundation to raise vital funds for the breeding and training of guide dogs. Blind Foundation guide dogs offer freedom and independence by acting as the eyes for those in our communities who are blind or have low vision. Volunteer collectors will be in Whangarei and Kerikeri.