Drink driver astounds police
A 27-year-old driver pulled over in the Kerikeri area astounded even hardened police officers when she blew an alcohol level of 1363 micrograms per litre of breath - more than five times the legal limit.
The woman, who police say was a disqualified driver and "well known" to them, was stopped at 1.25pm on Friday. She was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol and driving while disqualified. Her car was also impounded for 28 days. The limit is 250mcg per litre of breath.
Firearms salesman on bail
A salesman charged with supplying military style semi-automatic firearms to Whangarei gunman Quinn Patterson has been further released on bail.
Michael John Hayes, 61, appeared in the Whangarei District Court yesterday and asked for a two-week adjournment for his application for legal aid to be finalised. Hayes is facing three charges of supplying a military style semi-automatic (MSSA) to an unlicensed person, three of supplying firearms to an unlicensed person, and another three of unlawful possession of those weapons and a pistol grip.
He is yet to enter pleas.
Jury considers father and son verdicts
A jury retired yesterday to consider verdicts in a trial involving a Far North father and son duo accused of lying to police to protect a gang member. Justice Paul Davison summed up the case involving Gregory Mark Comer, 58, and his son Gregory Matthew Comer,18, before the jury retired just after 11am.
Police name dead man
Police have named the 29-year-old man who was found dead on rocks at Kauri Mountain Beach at Whangarei Heads last Wednesday. He was Bevan Graeme Frost, of Whangarei. Police have referred the matter to the coroner.
Voting packs in the post
Voting packs for the Denby Ward by-election should be turning up in letterboxes from tomorrow. A by-election is being held as the result of an extraordinary vacancy, following the resignation of a councillor.
Voting will close at noon on December 7. Voting documents can be returned by post or hand delivered to Customer Services, Whangarei District Council, Forum North, between November 15 and December 6. For more information please contact the Electoral Office on 0800 922 822.
High school students put to test
School exams are in full swing with Northland students testing themselves with NCEA exams. The exams started last Thursday and yesterday (Monday) Level 1 and scholarship students sat their English exam, with Level 2 tackling business studies and Level 3 French, Te Reo Maori, Health and Japanese. Today, exams include dance, Latin, making music, geography and history.
Exams continue through to December 1.