News briefs from Northland: Wanted man dangerous and scallop season opening

Kenneth Raymond Blackmore is wanted by police, who consider him dangerous and not to be approached.

Dangerous man wanted by police

A man police consider dangerous and say should not be approached could be hiding out in Northland. Kenneth Raymond Blackmore has been on the run from police since last November and has contacts in Whangārei and the Far North.

There are warrants for his arrest in relation to unlawful possession of a firearm. Police said Blackmore, 52, from south Auckland, has significant gang links. If you see Blackmore please call 111 immediately.

He has a number of tattoos including a row of skulls on his left shoulder and a bird tattoo on the back of his left hand. Anyone with information on where Blackmore is should contact Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin McNaughton on 021 191 6098, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Kelvin Davis host community event

A community event, hosted by Corrections Minister, Kelvin Davis looking at offender education, training and employment, and how everyone in the community can work together to help reduce reoffending, is being held in Whangārei this week. Te Tai Tokerau MP Davis is also the keynote speaker at he event, at Toll Stadium from 9am to 11.30am on Friday. Several community stakeholders, including education and training providers, as well as current and potential employers, will be attending the event. A couple of ex-offenders will also speak about their respective journeys, from being in prison to now being gainfully employed.

Northland scallop season opens

Northland's scallop season opens on Saturday (September 1) and runs through until the 31st of March. The Ministry for Primary Industries is reminding those taking scallops to be aware of their obligations. A few things to remember are the minimum legal size for scallops is 100mm. The maximum daily limit is 20 per person, one diver can also gather scallops for up to two other people acting in a dive safety capacity from that vessel. All scallops must be in a measurable state when taken ashore.

Man arrested for aggravated robbery in Whangārei

A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery after he waited in the Whangārei shop until police arrived. The robbery at Fosters Foodmart on Maunu Rd was reported to police about 3.30pm on Sunday after a man allegedly held a knife at the female shop worker and demanded cash. It's believed a bulk of the cash was handed back to the shop worker and the man waited for officers to arrive. He was to appear in Whangārei District Court yesterday.