News in brief: Sorby family dominates Northland qualifiers for 2025 Z Manu World Champs

Faith Sorby, pictured, who came second in last year’s grand final, won the female freestyle division in Whangārei.

One family dominated the Northland qualifiers of the 2025 Z Manu World Champs, held at Whangārei Aquatic Centre on Saturday. Faith Sorby, who came second in last year’s grand final, travelled from Auckland to compete with her partner Jahrome Rapata-Taipari, as well as her Whangārei-based brother-in-law Jimmy and nephews Bemo and Ngawiki. Faith claimed the Female Freestyle title, Jimmy took the Male Freestyle crown, Ngawiki won the Boys’ Manu division and Jahrome was victorious in the Adult Male Manu division. A total of eight winners were chosen to represent Northland in the grand final, at Auckland’s Viaduct on March 1.

Search for players

Former football player Ken Morris, who played with City in 1978, is looking to connect with other former players. UK-based Morris, 81, says he is visiting New Zealand in March and hoping to meet up with old teammates. Get in touch with Morris by email: ken.morris93@yahoo.co.uk.

Armyworm on the march

Populations of fall armyworm are two to three weeks more advanced than they have been in previous seasons. Foundation for Arable Research biosecurity officer Ash Mills says that second generation fall armyworm (FAW) have already been observed in Northland, where small populations have been widespread since November. While FAW population densities in maize crops are reaching up to 10% in small hotspots in the region, these levels remain below economic thresholds where maize growers would consider the use of pesticides for management.

Death not suspicious

The death of a woman in Whangārei is not being treated as suspicious, police say. A post-mortem examination was carried out on Monday after she was located unresponsive at a Moody Ave property in Whau Valley shortly before 5pm on Saturday. Police said the woman’s death, previously treated as unexplained, will be referred to the coroner.

Crash death

A person died in a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 15 at Tangiteroria, in Kaipara, on Monday night. Police were called after the vehicle was discovered off the road by a passing motorist. Inquiries are ongoing.

Inquiries into baby’s injuries

Police have been speaking to the family of a 5-month-old baby to understand how he suffered serious head injuries. Inquiries have been under way since the boy was taken to Dargaville Hospital on December 28. Detective Sergeant Shane Pilmer, of Whangārei CIB, says the baby has since made a recovery and was discharged from Starship Hospital in Auckland. Anyone with information can call 105, using the reference number 241229/1679, or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.