A humpback whale is spotted near Northport in Whangārei Harbour on Wednesday. Photo / Damon Roberts
Give whales space
After the sighting of a humpback whale in the Whangārei Harbour on Wednesday the Department of Conservation has reminded people to give the animal space in the water. One of the main risks from high vessel traffic around the whale is vessel strike, including damage from propellers.
DoC was leaving the whale to do its own thing unless there was something to suggest there was something wrong. "We recognise that the whales may pop up next to boats, or close the gap itself, but we recommend people give them as much space as possible to move around. At a minimum, anyone on the water should stay more than 50m where it is safe to do so, abide by the three vessel rule [no more than three vessels, including kayaks, within 300m]," DoC said. No swimming is allowed in the vicinity of the whales.
More driving charges
A man already facing various driving charges added dangerous driving and failing to stop after a police pursuit in Kaitaia on Monday. The pursuit began after he allegedly negotiated the Puckey Ave/Pukepoto Rd intersection at speed, continuing into Lake Rd, Williams St and Bonnetts Rd, where the fleeing driver crashed on the first corner after leaving the seal. He was not hurt.
Book quiz final
The inaugural Readers' Cup Northland final, a book quiz for Year 9 students, will be held at Whangārei Girls' High School later this month. The quiz will be in the school's library on August 29, from 6pm. The Readers' Cup is very like the Kids Lit Quiz but a bit shorter. Unlike Lit Quiz though, where all of students' reading "history" is up for play, this competition focuses on six pre-selected books. There are nine teams taking part from Kerikeri, Rodney College, Dargaville, Ruawai, and Whangārei.
Where there's smoke
It was a puff of smoke from the driver's window that piqued police interest in a car parked at the Waipapakauri Domain earlier this week. Two occupants were duly relieved of a small quantity of cannabis and a bong, and warned to change their ways.
