Northland news in brief: Win tickets, volunteers needed

Police attend the scene in Whangārei where a baby died. Another person has been charged over the death.

A second person charged in relation to the death of a 5-month-old baby boy is in custody awaiting an appearance in the High Court. The 31-year-old woman was charged with murder over the weekend following a homicide investigation into the death of the child in a house at Raumanga last month. Police were called to a Raumanga house by ambulance staff about 8.30pm on August 22. The baby died at the scene. The woman appeared in the Whangarei District Court yesterday and was remanded in custody without plea. She has interim name suppression and will appear in the High Court on September 30. The second person, a 28-year-old man facing the same charge, was due to appear in court late yesterday and again in the High Court on Thursday when the charge of murder will be withdrawn. Police say the original charge of assault on a child would be reinstated. As this matter is before the court, police are unable to comment further.

Charge in arson case

A 38-year-old man has been charged with arson after a house on Roma Rd, Ahipara, was badly damaged by fire on Thursday night. He appeared before the Kaitaia District Court on Friday and was remanded in custody until September 25. The three-bedroom house was well ablaze when firefighters were called just after 8pm, but Ahipara's chief fire officer, Dave Ross, said crews had it "nailed" within an hour. A spokesman for the Kaitaia CIB said there was no link between the fire and others that had destroyed or damaged properties at Ahipara over the last five months.

Police car damaged

A second police patrol car in Whangārei was damaged during pursuits in less than a week. Shortly before 10pm on Saturday, police attempted to stop a speeding vehicle on Vinegar Hill Rd. The driver failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The alleged offending driver was arrested after the vehicle he was driving came to a stop near the intersection of Corks and Kiripaka Rds. A police patrol car sustained minor damage. A 25-year-old man is due to appear in Whangarei District Court today on charges of failing to stop, driving while disqualified and reckless driving. On Tuesday last week, another driver was taken into custody after leading police on a chase from Tikipunga to Pataua North.

Kaitaia high tea

The SPCA in Kaitaia will serve high tea at Te Ahu this Saturday with two sittings, from 1pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 4.30pm, featuring dainty cakes and savouries, fine china, musical items, displays and a stall selling jams, jellies, pickles and more. Guests are invited to dress in their finest garb. Tickets ($20) are available at TopVets in Matthews' Ave and the SPCA centre in North Rd.

Paihia place makers sought

Volunteers are needed for this year's Paihia Placemaking Project, from 9am this Saturday . Heinz Marti said anyone who would like to help would be welcome to join the Focus Paihia Odd Jobbers on the Village Green, behind the pharmacy, the list of jobs including staining, painting, weeding, planting, topping up white shell, sweeping and cleaning. Gloves and appropriate footwear would be needed, while gardening tools, rakes, brooms and paint brushes would all be useful. Contact Heinz at heinzmarti39@gmail.com or (027) 470-1137.

Taste of Ireland giveaway

The Northern Advocate has a double pass to give away to A Taste of Ireland, performing this Thursday evening at Forum North in Whangārei. Told through Irish music and dance, A Taste of Ireland explores magical tales spanning generations of Irish storytelling and culture.  This world class show features World, All Ireland & National Champion Irish dancers, and musicians from around the globe performing unique music and dance that reflects pure Irish talent. To be in to win email competitions@nzme.co.nz with your name and phone number by 5pm tomorrow.