Carjacking accused back in court
A man allegedly involved in a carjacking in Whangarei has yet to enter pleas.
Rameka Hape, 35, reappeared in the Whangarei District Court yesterday and was further remanded in custody to reappear on April 24.
He faces three charges of aggravated assault, two of attempting to take a motor vehicle, and single charges of injuring with intend to injure, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, failing to stop, reckless driving, and resisting arrest. Hape allegedly jumped into a car at the Paramount Parade shopping centre in Tikipunga on February 10 while the vehicle owners, an elderly couple, were loading groceries.
He then allegedly led police on a pursuit through Kamo, along Three Mile Bush Rd into Church Rd and on to Pipiwai Rd where the car was spiked.
Region's land transport review
The master plan for land transport right across Northland is undergoing its mandatory three-yearly review. The Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-2021 details roading projects proposed by Northland's three district councils, state highway projects put forward by the NZ Transport Agency and strategic projects and public transport matters dealt with by the Northland Regional Council.
Regional councillor and transport committee chairman John Bain said the review will focus on determining if the region's land transport problems, objectives and outcomes have changed significantly in the past three years.
Tourist in crash
An elderly tourist from the UK escaped injury when she lost control of her rental car near Waiharara on Sunday morning. The car rolled, coming to rest on its side, police saying the crash occurred within a road works site where there was a lot of loose metal, and that a puncture could have caused the loss of control.
Whangarei MyLotto player wins
Ten Lotto players will have been popping the champagne over the weekend after each winning $23,122 with Lotto Second Division in Saturday night's Lotto draw. One of those winners was a MyLotto player from Whangarei. Other winners came from Auckland, Tauranga, Otorohanga, Hastings, Wellington, Christchurch and Timaru.
Accident delays traffic
Traffic was delayed on State Highway 10 near Oromahoe after a car flipped onto its roof. The crashed vehicle came to rest partly blocking one lane about 2pm yesterday. Injuries were believed to be minor only.
Search continues for Walter Ngaau
A senior Whangarei Black Power gang member wanted by police in relation to the murder of a Tribesmen gang member remains on the run. Police are asking for the public to help find Walter Reid Ngaau who has a warrant to arrest for murder.
Police are continuing to investigate the murder of John Henry Harris in October 2016. Ngaau is 54-years-old, 175cm and of medium build, with facial tattoos. Any sightings of Ngaau should be reported to 111 immediately.
Anyone with information which could help police can call Detective Sergeant Shane Pilmer on 021 191 594 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.