Northland news in brief: Cape Brett lighthouse cottage hosts 1200 visitors after restoration

The Cape Brett historic lighthouse keeper’s cottage has been a popular place to stay since being reopened in November.

Nearly 1200 people have stayed at Cape Brett’s historic lighthouse keeper’s cottage since it reopened last November. The Department of Conservation (DoC)-managed facility closed earlier last year for restoration after showing wear and tear and repeated water supply problems. The cottage sits at the tip of Cape Brett Peninsula under Rakaumangamanga — a mountain renowned as a waypoint for Polynesian navigators.

Water main replacement

Whangārei District Council will be putting in a permanent underground water main to replace the temporary over-ground pipe between Bay View Rd and McDonald Rd near Little Munro Bay. The road will be reduced to one lane past each section and will be controlled by temporary traffic lights. Work starts on Monday and will continue for about three months.

Liquor store burgled

A large quantity of stock was stolen from Liquorland in Kensington during a burglary about 5.50am on Tuesday. Police say a group of offenders smashed a window to gain entry before fleeing in a waiting vehicle. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information can contact police via 105 using reference number 250114/6448, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Gunshot victim stable

A man allegedly shot in Mangōnui in the early hours of January 8 remains in hospital in a stable condition. Police are continuing to investigate but say the incident on Mary Hassett St appeared to be isolated. The victim was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition.

Quarry Rd bridge upgrade

Work has begun on a $1.1 million upgrade to the Quarry Rd bridge near Awanui. The work will take place in two phases: phase one will allow for earthworks underneath a proposed 15-metre extension of the bridge, which will open an additional span and support the wider Awanui River Flood Protection Scheme. During this time one lane will be closed. The second phase will involve construction of the bridge extension and associated works.

Toilets vandalised

Vandals targeted several Far North toilets over the holiday period, causing about $2000 of damage. Toilets at Te Tii Beach, Paihia were vandalised last weekend, when the toilets and urinals were filled with soil or potting mix. Public toilets at Ahipara and Centennial Park in Kaitāia had locks broken on two occasions, and both were sprayed with graffiti using racist language. Clean-up and repair costs in each case will be met by the ratepayer.