Teen charged with robbery
A 17-year-old from Kaitaia has been arrested for last month's armed robbery at Okaihau Liquor Store — but police still want to hear from anyone who recognises his co-offender's baggy trousers. About 8.15pm on September 10 two men robbed the store with a rifle and a large machete, making off with alcohol, cigarettes and cash. Their faces were covered in the CCTV footage but police hoped someone would recognise one offender's backpack or rolled-up baggy orange-brown trousers. Constable Dave Brothers, of Kaikohe police, said a 17-year-old was arrested on Wednesday and appeared in the Whangarei District Court the same day charged with aggravated robbery. He thanked the public for their help in identifying the offender. Police were still looking for his co-offenders — the male in the baggy pants and the getaway driver — and urged anyone with information to call the Kaikohe station on (09) 405 2960 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Super Rugby for Kaikohe
The Northland Rugby Union says it will do all it can to ensure a Super Rugby game in Kaikohe is a success. Earlier this week the Advocate revealed the Far North District Council and the NRU had agreed to a Blues v Chiefs pre-season match at Lindvart Park on February 2 next year. Chairwoman Sharon Morgan said she was ''delighted'' and the NRU would look at ways of getting people to the game and ensuring a full afternoon of entertainment. Beach clean-up tomorrow
Love Whangārei Monthly Clean Up's next event is tomorrow. The October clean-up has been organised for Onerahi Beach from 12pm to 2pm. The clean-up starts at the end of Pah Rd by the beach and will continue down to the beach to a small island and all around the carpark. The event has been organised around low tide and the area is likely to be boggy. Those keen to get involved are asked to bring sturdy footwear or gumboots if they have them. Plastic gloves will be supplied, but people are also welcome to bring their own.
Fashion awards tonight
The annual Bernina Northland Fashion Awards are on tonight (Saturday) at Forum North from 7pm. The show demonstrates the amazing design and creative talents of Northland in the world of fashion. There are 13 categories and all entries are eligible for Northland's Designer of the Year and the Extreme Elegance Award. Models will be in the running for Northland's Top Model. Tickets are available from Ticketek. Adults are $40 and children (15 and under) are $20.
Waipu fire start point known
A four-day scene examination of the charred remains of three Waipu businesses has revealed the starting point for the blaze and the most likely cause. Fire investigator Craig Bain said the fire started in the kitchen of the cafe and was most likely to be from an undetermined electrical fault. Exactly what the fault was could not be identified. Ten fire crews rushed to The Centre in central Waipu about 1.30am last Saturday after the fire took hold in Waipu Cafe and Deli and adjacent businesses Waipu Pharmacy and Harkers Herbal. What was left standing would be torn down.
Third round of hui
A third round of hui on the Ngāpuhi Treaty Settlement will start next week. Te Rōpū Tuhono, which comprises representatives of the Crown, Tuhoronuku and Te Kotahitanga, has considered feedback received from two rounds of consultation hui on the proposal to evolve the Ngāpuhi mandate and negotiations structure. The group agreed to hold another round of consultation hui for Ngāpuhi to consider a refined proposal. The third round of consultation hui will start on Friday, October 12.
Paper figures exhibition/strong>
The papermakers from The Papermill have celebrated their uniqueness by creating two-dimensional, life-sized characters that explore their own personalities as well as fantasy characters. The 2018 pop-up exhibition called ''Unique Me'' starts on Monday. It will mainly comprise 14 life-sized cutouts sitting and standing at various locations around Whangarei next week. The Papermill will announce the location on its facebook page every morning. The schedule includes the Town Basin, the CBD and Te Matau ā Pohe.
Phantom of the Opera
Whangarei Theatre Company has announced it will be producing The Phantom of the Opera in Forum North next June. It is likely to be a once-in-lifetime opportunity for Northlanders to perform in The Phantom, or to see it produced locally. WTC President Barbara Trimmer was delighted that the company has decided to undertake producing another huge show in Forum North. She acknowledged the dedication of the team at WTC in driving the production of musicals for all Northlanders to enjoy.