Aggravated robbery
Police are investigating an aggravated robbery at a Kaikohe convenience store on Broadway on Wednesday morning. A group of offenders reportedly entered the store, one allegedly holding a knife. No one was hurt but some items were taken.
Native tree champions wanted
Nominations are open for the inaugural Growing Native Forests Champions Awards, celebrating the people and groups leading native growing efforts. Nominations close May 9. The winners will be announced at Fieldays in June. Visit MPI’s website for more details.
Rubbish collection paused
There will be no kerbside rubbish collections in Whangārei on Good Friday, April 18, with the usual Friday collections taking place on Saturday instead. Northland Waste Whangārei said normal kerbside rubbish collections will resume on Monday, despite the Easter weekend.
Boost for wool industry
The Government’s recent announcement to change procurement rules to support the sheep and wool industry will create more jobs and boost economic growth in the region, Northland MP Grant McCallum says. From July 1, government agencies will be directed to use woollen fibre products in the construction and refurbishment of government buildings, where practical and appropriate. McCallum said it is important to support New Zealand’s wool industry, as it has contributed $549m to the economy in the financial year ending 2024. The announcement would also provide certainty for those in the shearing industry and create more job opportunities, McCallum says.