News briefs from Northland - crashes and road repairs delayed

Rangimarie Mako's Christmas in a Shoebox appeal has seen more than 1000 boxes full of Christmas goodies donated by generous Northlanders.

Whangarei's Christmas in a Shoebox project has passed the 1000 box mark, and the number is still expected to rise with boxes and gifts still needing to be sorted and counted. The project has seen schools, workplaces and individuals fill shoeboxes with gifts for Northland children. The collection closed on Sunday, but late boxes are still trickling in. Between now and Christmas the boxes will be distributed via social services and organiser Rangimarie Mako herself to children in need around the region.

Road blocked

One lane of State Highway 1 south of Kawakawa was blocked for about half an hour around noon yesterday after a large crane toppled over. A police spokesman said the arm on the 20-wheel, heavy-lifting crane came loose near Waiomio and swung out, altering the vehicle's balance and tipping it onto its side. Initially it was thought another super-sized crane would be needed to right it but the driver managed to get it back on its wheels using the crane's own hydraulics. Traffic was still able to pass one direction at a time.

Two crashes within hour

Motorists are being asked to drive to the conditions after two crashes in the Paihia area less than an hour apart. A car slid off the road in the first accident, about 6.30pm on Tuesday near the Roadrunner Tavern at Opua, while in the second, about 7.20pm at the bottom of Te Haumi Hill in Paihia, two cars collided leaving one person with minor injuries. Paihia Fire Brigade was called out to both incidents. Fire chief Rex Wilson said rain making the road greasy after a long dry period was a likely factor. "If it's been dry for a long time and you get a bit of rain on the road, it gets really slippery — and with the number of cars on the road at this time of year the risk of a two-car collision is increased," he said.

Arrest after vehicle stolen

Whangarei police arrested one of two people who were stopped in a stolen vehicle they were allegedly travelling in and fled on foot.
The incident happened in Raumanga about 10am yesterday. Multiple police units, including a police dog, were at the scene and one person was arrested. The vehicle was stolen from Raumanga sometime before yesterday morning.

Parking debate

Whangarei District Council's parking and traffic bylaw is up for adoption at today's council meeting. The issue of parking charges for mobility permit holders in Whangarei has been hotly discussed in recent weeks and debate is expected today. The meeting will also see new Denby ward councillor Gavin Benney formally inducted onto the council. He will make an oral declaration, sign a written declaration and give his maiden speech. The meeting starts at 10.30am in the council chambers.

Road repairs delayed

Road repairs scheduled for State Highway 1 through Whangarei this week have been postponed because of the weather.
The NZ Transport Agency said contractors were set to start work Tuesday on Western Hills Drive, just south of Manse Street, with a lane closure in force.
However the work won't start now until after Christmas.

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