Northland news in brief

This photo of dead kiwi killed by dogs and cars has been misused again by anti-1080 campaigners who say the birds were instead poisoned.

1080 lobbyist misleads with photo

A photo of more than 50 kiwi killed by dogs and cars is again being used by an anti-1080 campaigner claiming the birds were killed by poisoning. The photo was taken by Rolf Mueller-Glodde in 2011 while the Department of Conservation's Kerikeri office was clearing out its freezers, but in February the image was used in an anti-1080 post by the Facebook group 1080 Eyewitness.

The group eventually removed the post but only after it had been shared more than 1500 times. Over the weekend another anti-1080 page, New Zealands not clean green [sic], used the image claiming the kiwi had been killed by aerial drops of 1080. As of yesterday the post had been shared more than 150 times.

Family leap from burning car

A Kaikohe family had a lucky escape when they had to jump out of a burning car on Sunday. Sergeant Ross Laurie, of Kerikeri police, said a people-mover was heading up Turntable Hill, on State Highway 1 near Moerewa, about 5pm on Sunday when smoke started billowing from the vehicle.

A motorist following behind signalled frantically at the driver to pull over. Just as she did so the car lost power and burst into flames. The driver and three children in the vehicle managed to get out unharmed.

Kawakawa fire chief said the brigade extinguished the blaze then stayed at the scene carrying out traffic control until the tow truck arrived because the burnt-out car was blocking one lane of SH1 opposite the Hautapu Rd junction. Family members collected the stranded woman and children.

Armed Gull robbery

Police have confirmed two masked robbers had a firearm when they robbed the Gull Service Station in Raumanga about 3.40am on Sunday. Cash and cigarettes were taken and the duo were seen heading south away from the forecourt.

Police are appealing to members of the public and would be interested to speak with anyone who has any information that would help the enquiry team or were in the area at this time. You can contact Whangarei Police on 09 430 4500 or anonymously you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cat rescued by firefighters

The Kawakawa Fire Brigade turned animal rescue squad after being called out by an elderly couple in Moerewa to rescue a cat stuck behind a hot water cylinder. Fire chief Wayne Martin said the concerned pet owners called for help about 11pm on Friday. After removing a shelf volunteer firefighters were able to reach in and grab the cat.

Both cat and rescuers were unharmed, with Mr Martin saying the firefighters made sure they donned claw-proof gloves and jackets before attempting the rescue operation.