Northland news in brief

Keith Thompson, from Barkley's on the River is offering a reward for information about the the theft of pets from his store, including a lorikeet, chinchillas and a blue tongue lizard.

Barkley's on the River offers reward for stolen pets

Barkley's on the River owner Keith Thompson is offering a cash reward for information about the theft of animals from his store, which leads to the safe recovery of the animals. Hawk the lorikeet, pet chinchillas Mac and Peg and a blue tongue lizard were stolen overnight on Monday after a back door to the shop on Port Rd was smashed. Thompson has already made a plea for the thieves to return the animals which need special care and diets otherwise they will die. Information will be treated in the strictest confidence. Anyone with information can contact Keith on 027 293 4243 or email casey@barkleys.co.nz

Elderly targeted

Northland police are looking for Jade Roa who has allegedly been targeting elderly homeowners in Whangārei. The 30-year-old allegedly gains access to their house by asking them to use the bathroom before stealing their wallets.
He then allegedly uses their Paywave cards to buy alcohol and petrol . Roa is wanted for offending between Bay of Plenty, Taupo, Warkworth and Northland.
He is driving a Silver 2006 Subaru Legacy station wagon registration LDH486. People should call 111 if they knew where Jade Roa is or have seen the vehicle he's driving.

Working bee help

Volunteers are needed to help with planting and a clean-up of Rangikapiti Pa Historic Reserve in Doubtless Bay. Friends of Rangikapiti Reserve Society Incorporated has organised two working bees on Thursday and Sunday this week, both from 9.30am to midday. The group plans to make the most of good digging conditions on Thursday with a planting day, while the final working bee on Sunday will involve staking pots and bags, laying mulch and inserting plant guards. Meet at the pa car park off Rangikapiti Road in Coopers Beach. Contact John Haines on 021-184-8661 or johnpaulhaines@gmail.com for more information.

Train hits cattle

Cattle wandering on railway lines were struck by a freight train on the Kaipara Flats on Monday night.

KiwiRail general manager operations Upper North Island Henare Clarke said some were of the herd of 20 were injured and had to be euthanised. The cattle were hit about 9pm.
"This a timely reminder of the need to keep land well-fenced to prevent incidents like this happening," Clarke said.
The train was undamaged, and the line re-opened at 1am.

Track work complete

The last of the works to upgrade Mt Parihaka's three main tracks has been completed. The Ross Track is now open, after 120 helicopter flights lifted gravel and other materials onto the track last week. The Drummond, Dobbie and Ross Tracks were closed and upgraded one by one, with work starting in February. The drainage and surfaces were improved, box steps were installed and the tracks were widened and levelled by contractors.