News in brief from Northland

Some of the illegal crayfish plundered from Whananaki in September.

Undersize crayfish lead to fines

Two Northland men have been fined after taking undersize crayfish. The Ministry for Primary Industries said in September, two men had their catch inspected at Whananaki, 27km northeast of Whangārei. They had a total of 29 crayfish, including 10 pack horse crayfish. All of the pack horse crayfish were less than the minimum legal size of 216mm, with one as small as 148mm. There was one female crayfish in egg and also a couple that had soft shells. Each of the two men will be issued with a total of $1000 in infringement notices. If you know of or hear about any form of fisheries offending please contact 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224) line or message MPI on Facebook. You can remain anonymous.

New police for North

Four new constables will head to Northland after graduating from police college this week. They are part of Wing 320 which had 79 recruits and will have their wing patron Rob Waddell (ONZM) present at the ceremony. In addition to Waddell, the new constables will have their family and friends supporting them tomorrow, along with Commissioner Mike Bush and members of the Police Executive, Police Minister Stuart Nash, members of Australian Federal Police and Porirua Mayor Mike Tana.

Parafed sports day

Parafed Northland will hold its "On Water" Sports Day at Kowharewa Bay, Tutukaka on Saturday from 10am to 2pm. The event will offer waka ama, kayak, surf ski and stand-up paddleboarding to people who have a physical disability. So far there are 13 registered participants plus four family members. Email sport@parafednorthland.co.nz to register or to get more details.

Fundraiser to bring man home

A Givealittle page has been started by family of a Northland man after his sudden death in Australia on Monday. They hope to raise enough money to get his body back to Kaeo. Jarron Rika, 21, had only been in Australia for about a month and a half. Donations will help cover the cost of bringing him home and funeral expenses. If their target is exceeded the family will donate the excess to a suicide awareness charity. By midday yesterday 12 donors had raised $720. If you would like to help, go to "Bring Jarron Home" — https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/bring-jarron-home

Ocean champion nomination call

The New Zealand Association for Environmental Education is calling on Northlanders to make nominations for next year's Seaweek Ocean Champion. Nominees will be asked to undertake a specific Ocean Challenge to help solve a problem in the marine environment. Entries close on December 21, with voting in February. Nominations can be made, and more details obtained, from www.seaweek.org.nz.