Northland news in brief: officer assaulted and kids wear white for peace

Police at Otaika Shops, in Whangārei, yesterday where an officer was allegedly assaulted and knocked out.

A police officer was knocked unconscious during an alleged assault outside a block of Whangārei shops.
The incident happened at the Otaika Shops on Otaika Rd around 4pm. A witness said she had initially contacted police because a man was making a nuisance of himself outside the shops.

Police said two officers responded to the call at around 3.50pm and began speaking with the man during which time "without warning" he allegedly assaulted one of the officers, resulting in a facial injury, before running off. The witness said she did not see the alleged assault, but saw the man running away across the road being chased by staff and customers from the various shops.

It was then the witness saw a police officer on the ground on the footpath outside the Aussie Butcher. "A lot of people ran to him."
She said she went over and the police officer was unconscious and he had a gash on his face. The man who had run away was located near NorthTec a short time later. Police said he is in custody and will appear in the Whangārei District Court today.The charge was yet to be decided at edition time yesterday.
Police confirmed the officer allegedly assaulted had been knocked unconscious briefly. The officer was receiving medical care and was being supported by police staff and his family.

Children to dress in white

Hundreds of schoolchildren around the Mid North are expected to come to school dressed in white today as a symbol of peace and a gesture of solidarity with those affected by the Christchurch mosque shootings. The plan is the brainchild of 10-year-old Kaia Derbyshire of Bay of Islands Academy at Te Tii, who asked her principal for permission to hold the mufti day to ''help the families of victims from the Christchurch terror attacks''. Principal Chris Bell then helped her contact another dozen primary schools in the wider Bay of Islands and invite them to join in. Students taking part will be invited to make a gold coin donation. The money collected, and photos of all schools and students taking part, will be sent to Christchurch's Muslim community.

Man dies after crash

Police have named the 46-year-old Northland man who died when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a car.
He was Marino William Leef, 46, of Kaitaia. A car and the motorcycle collided on State Highway 12, between Taheke and the Rawene turnoff, near the junction with Duddy Rd in Omanaia about 2pm on Saturday.
Leef died at the scene. It was one of two fatal crashes in Northland on the weekend involving a motorcyclist.

Condolence book

A condolences book for people affected by the Christchurch mosque shootings has been placed at Kerikeri's Procter Library for anyone to sign or add messages of support. The book was organised by Kerikeri woman Marian Andrews, who said she would ensure it was delivered to Christchurch's Muslim community. Andrews also started a tribute garden a the corner of Kerikeri and Cobham roads where people have been leaving cards, flowers and painted signs. ''I wanted to do something, we're far away but we can still show our support for people who need it,'' she said.

CORRECTION:
The Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon is not being held at the Waitangi Grounds this Sunday as reported yesterday. The Bay of Islands leg of the TRYathlon will actually be held on April 7. The Northern Advocate was provided the incorrect information from a promotional company. Go to try.weetbix.co.nz for more information.