Northland news in brief: Two injured in crash, Whangārei Lotto winner, wind prompts fire warning

Firefighters from across the north were kept busy over New Year with vegetation fires, prompting a warning about lighting fires in windy conditions. Photo / NZME

Four fire appliances from Rawene, Ōmāpere, and Dargaville attended a small grass fire on private property at 4.30pm on Wednesday near Ōmāpere. The fire was quickly contained and there were no reports of injuries. Earlier in the day crews battled a 5ha blaze south of Kawakawa. One firefighter received minor injuries and was taken to hospital. A helicopter and firefighters from Kawakawa, Paihia, Hikurangi and Kaikohe attended and eventually contained the blaze. Fire and Emergency group manager for Northland Denis Cooper said the fire had taken hold because of the wind. Speaking generally, he reminded Northlanders that windy conditions were not favourable for lighting backyard or rubbish fires.

Two injured in Kaipara crash

Two people were transported to Whangārei Hospital after a single-vehicle crash on Thursday in Tangiteroria on Paradise Rd. Hato Hone St John was notified of the incident at 4pm and responded with one ambulance. Police also attended. A Hato Hone St John spokeswoman said one patient was in a moderate condition and another in a minor condition.

Z Manu World Champs qualifier in Whangārei

Qualifiers across regional New Zealand are showcasing the country’s top manu talent in the lead-up to the Z Manu World Champs. More than 2000 competitors across the country took part in last year’s competition. Organiser Scott Rice said the bar is set high and Northland would be one of the first to host a qualifier in 2025. The region has always produced high-quality athletes, he said. A qualifying event takes place in Whangārei on January 18 at 10am, with divisions for adults, youth and kids.

Whangārei Lotto winner

A Whangārei resident has started the year $28,698 richer after winning the Lotto Second Division on New Year’s night, alongside seven others across the country. Anyone who bought a ticket should check on MyLotto or through the MyLotto app.

Youth Choir to perform at Waitangi

The New Zealand Youth Choir will perform at Waitangi Treaty Grounds on February 6 and in Whangārei on Saturday, February 8. Performers include Riley Rolton, from Whangārei and Coopers Beach, who toured with the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir while studying at St Paul’s Collegiate in Hamilton. In between the public concerts, the choir will spend Friday, February 7 working with students at One Tree Point School and give a pop-up performance at the Whangārei Growers Market on February 8.

Rāhui lifted

A rāhui at Bland Bay has lifted. The ban on swimming and collecting seafood was put in place after a person died snorkelling in the area on New Year’s Eve.