Northland news in brief: Local Lotto winner, drink-driver's blunder

A $1m ticket sold in Dargaville was purchased by a Northlander.

Drink-driver spotted from police station

A man spotted driving past the Whangarei police station on the wrong side of the road was breath-tested and allegedly blew more than double the legal breath alcohol level. Police were alerted to the erratic driver on Bank St in the central city after a motorist became concerned about 2pm.

An officer looked out the window of the District Command Centre at the Whangarei police station in Walton St to see the vehicle on the wrong side of the road. The driver was stopped in the Town Basin carpark where the 41-year-old driver was breath-tested. He allegedly blew 645 micrograms per litre of breath - the legal limit for drivers 20 years and over is 250mcg.

He will appear in the Whangarei District Court on March 14 and may face more driving charges.

Lotto winner keeps quiet

The person who won $1 million on Lotto First Division on Saturday with a ticket sold in Dargaville is a Northlander, but they are staying mum about their win. The winning ticket was sold at Dargaville Countdown and claimed on Monday. Lotto NZ confirmed that the winner is from Northland.

''However, they have requested to remain anonymous and prefer not to share any details of their win,'' a Lotto spokeswoman said.

Fire threat updated

The fire season status for Northland areas has been updated. As of yesterday the Kaipara, Whangarei and Far North zone 2 are now in open season.

Areas which are now open, no longer need a permit. Far North Zone 1 - which takes in Ahipara, Kaitaia, the Karekare Peninsula and all areas further north is in a restricted season. A permit is required to light a fire in open air. To check the types of fires which have been authorised as not being fires in open air and not needing a permit, go to www.checkitsalright.nz.

Learn about leopard seals

Northland's Dr Ingrid Visser, probably better known for her extraordinary work with orca, will be giving a presentation about leopard seals in New Zealand waters in the Museum Gallery on Tuesday as part of Seaweek 2018 events. The cost is $10.00 for adults and school children are free. Whangarei Museum at Kiwi North, 5.30pm – 6.30pm

Walkway repairs delayed

Permanent repairs to a walkway at Mangonui have been delayed so as not to disrupt the Last of the Summer Wine Festival on the waterfront on March 24.

The Far North District Council became aware of subsidence that had undermined a section of the wooden walkway, footpath and road between the police station and the fish shop about two weeks ago, with scaffolding erected beneath the walkway to provide support and prevent further damage.

Pedestrian and vehicle access has been blocked. The road will be reduced to one lane while repairs are being carried out and for that reason work will not begin until the week starting March 25, to avoid disrupting the festival.