Initial reports that homes were threatened by a scrub fire had firefighters scrambling from across the Mid North to an isolated road in South Hokianga. The blaze covered about 50m by 20m on a grassy hillside on Waione Rd, near Koutu, about 11.40am yesterday. Rawene senior station officer Nopera Pikari said it was lucky there was little wind so volunteers from the Rawene and Omapere brigades were able to put it out. Tankers and appliances from as far away as Kerikeri were called out initially but turned back once it became clear the fire was not as serious as initially reported. It was thought to have been started by a rubbish fire which got out of control.
Drunk man displays displeasure
A heavily intoxicated man who arrived at Kaitaia Hospital with his son, who was in need of treatment, early on Sunday morning was denied entry by security before being removed by police. A police spokesman said the man had displayed his displeasure by kicking and punching locked glass doors.
Teen driving drunk
A teenager was charged with driving with excess alcohol after members of the public complained to police that his vehicle was weaving over the road at Awanui on Saturday. The 17-year-old, who had three passengers, recorded 1075 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, more than four times the legal adult limit. The limit for teenagers is zero.
