The chessboards are set and the excitement is high for the Northland Chess Championship set for October 28 at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri. Last year, 130 players took part in the event but 150 are expected this year. Players are sorted into three age categories: junior, youth, and seniors, and will navigate a six-round Swiss-style tournament. To register visit: sites.google.com/view/kerikerichessclub/home
Police probe burglary
Police are investigating a burglary at a business on Marsden Point Rd shortly before 1.30am on Monday. Offenders reportedly smashed a glass door to gain entry before taking a number of items and fleeing in a vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 105, quoting job number P056300958. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
New bridge open
A new $3.5 million, 60-metre bridge key to the Otiria and Moerewa flood scheme has opened to vehicle traffic after construction of the Pokapu Rd bridge began in January. Northland Regional Councillor Geoff Crawford said the bridge was a critical part of a scheme designed to better protect the communities of Otiria and Moerewa from the adverse impacts of flooding. The smaller 18m bridge that was replaced acted like a dam in a flood, diverting flood waters towards Otiria and Moerewa and worsening flooding problems. The new structure has wider spans and along with an associated spillway due to be completed before Christmas is designed to allow three times more floodwater to pass underneath, enabling it to cope with a once-in-a-century flood event. The old bridge will be removed over the next few weeks and beams salvaged from it will be repurposed at Whangārei’s Quarry Gardens.
