Northland news in brief: McKay to continue its stadium naming rights sponsorship

McKay Stadium is Northland’s largest indoor stadium and hosts events like the Wahine Toa II boxing night

Sport Northland is pleased McKay, New Zealand’s largest privately owned electrical contracting company, will continue its naming rights sponsorship of McKay Stadium in Kensington for another five years. The company started its sponsorship four days after the first Covid lockdown but knew the pandemic would blow over, director Lindsay Faithful said. McKay Stadium is Northland’s largest indoor stadium and the partnership ensures access for clubs, schools and the community.

Easy drop-off

Bowel screening has been made easier with a new option to drop off completed kits at any of the seven Awanui Lab Collection Centres across Northland. Eligible participants aged 60 to 74 can return their completed kits to the Awanui Lab reception in Kaikohe, Kerikeri, Paihia, Te Kamo, Kensington Health, Onerahi and Rust Ave, or freepost. Bowel screening aims to save lives by helping find bowel cancer at an early stage when it can often be successfully treated. Go to timetobowelscreen.nz or phone 0800-924-432 for more information.

Lotto success

Two tickets sold in Whangārei were among seven nationally that each won more than $31,000 with Lotto Second Division on Wednesday. The tickets, sold on My Lotto in Whangārei, each won their holder $31,307. The winning numbers were 1, 9, 25, 29, 31 and 33, with the bonus number 27 and Powerball number 7. Powerball was not struck on Wednesday and will be worth $10 million on Saturday.

Cigarette blamed for fire

A fire that spread through the roof of a house in Onerahi on Thursday evening was caused by the careless disposal of a cigarette, Fire and Emergency says. Crews responded to the blaze about 7pm with four trucks from Whangārei, Onerahi and Te Kamo. The fire was extinguished about 7.20pm.

Blaze under investigation

Fire crews were called to a vegetation fire on Oakleigh Wharf Rd outside Whangārei about 5.15pm on Thursday, Fire and Emergency said. Four trucks responded from Whangārei, Portland and Maungakaramea. The fire was approximately 150m x 30m and was under control by 6.25pm. Crews continued to dampen hotspots until the last truck left at 10pm. An investigator was on site on Friday to probe the cause.

Inquiries continue

Inquiries into an aggravated robbery at Taipa in the Far North on Monday are continuing. Police were called about 7.15pm, after two people allegedly entered a store armed with machetes. Police say the duo then stole cash, cigarettes and vapes. No arrests have been made, but a vehicle was later found and taken for forensic examination.

Tsunami maps

Northland’s tsunami evacuation maps have been updated with more accurate modelling and information to better reflect how tsunamis behave as they travel across the ocean and reach the coastline. The maps are simpler to understand and feature a single colour system. The blue zone means getting out of the area and heading to higher ground or further inland. Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group chair Kelly Stratford encouraged residents to view the maps to see if they live, work or play in an evacuation zone. She said anyone living in coastal communities or enjoying the marine and beach areas should remain prepared for the risk of a tsunami. To view the map, head to the Northland Regional Council website.

Climate conference

The Climate Action Te Taitokerau Conference takes place on March 21 and 22 at Forum North, Whangārei. The conference theme is climate and the economy, with presentations and workshops exploring how climate action can heal the planet and provide people with the necessities of a good life. Kai and energy will be the main economic focus areas. Registration is free. For more information and to register, visit northlandclimatechange.org