Northland news in brief

A white Yamaha YZ250 FX dirt bike, similar to this, was stolen from a trailer in Whangārei this week.

Stolen dirt bike

A $15,000 dirt bike was stolen off a trailer parked outside the owner's workplace in Whangārei on Monday. The trailer had two bikes while parked on Porowini Ave, nearer the stadium end, but between 2.15pm and 12.30pm the tie downs were cut when thieves tried to take the bikes.

One of the three men seen with the trailer rode off on a blue and white coloured Yamaha described as a YZ250 FX dirt bike. While police were quick on the scene and searched a number of streets and roads further away from the central city they were not able to find the bike.

The rider was described as wearing dark coloured clothing and did not have a helmet. Police want to hear from any businesses in Porowini Ave that have CCTV cameras that face onto the road. Anyone with information can contact Whangārei police station on 09 4304500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Father of Shane Jones dies

The father of Northland-based New Zealand First MP and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones has died. Munro Peter Jones, who was well respected in the Far North, died on Monday morning. Acting Prime Minister and NZ First leader Winston Peters has extended his party's condolences to Shane Jones.

"Munro Peter Jones was a remarkable identity and well respected in his Awanui community. He will be deeply missed by his family and our thoughts are with them." Shane Jones has previously described his father as a taciturn farmer. Munro Jones was number 13 in a family of 17 children, the son of Raiha Moeroa (Lizzie) and her Welsh husband, Edward Llewelyn Jones. His grandfather was Andre Kleskovic, the first Croatian to marry in to the Te Aupōuri tribe. His tangi will be at Maimaru Marae in Awanui.

Northlander pleads not guilty to drug charges

A Northlander who pleaded not guilty to a charge of possession of meth for supply has been remanded back in custody. Samuel Edwards, 38, of Kensington, denied one charge of possession of meth for supply, one of driving while disqualified and another of refusing to give a blood sample. He appeared in the Whangārei District Court this week via audio visual link and was remanded back in custody. Edwards will reappear on August 31.

Far North Beef Profit from Pasture Field-day

The Far North Beef Profit from Pasture Field-day is being held in Kawakawa on Friday. The event, form 10am to 3.30pm at Kawakawa RSA, includes a Beef + Lamb New Zealand Consultation Meeting. Chief executive Sam McIvor & Northern North Island Director Martin Coup will outline the challenges and opportunities for sheep & beef farmers and what B+LNZ is doing to support farmers. Results from the Beef Profit from Pasture Demonstrations will also be highlighted.