Northland news in brief

Smoke from the scrub fire in Quarry Rd, Kaitaia, that saw the town's airport close and children sent home from school early yesterday.

Scrub fire closes school

Kaitaia Airport was closed and children sent home early from nearby schools as a strong wind pushed a scrub fire toward the runway. Children from Te Aniwaniwa Kohanga Reo and Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Rangi Aniwaniwa were bussed home early yesterday after fire broke out in scrub at the top of Quarry Road, near the eastern end of the airport runway.

About 20 firefighters from several Far North brigades attended the blaze that appeared to have started on farmland and bolted across the road. It was reported at 12pm, and although fire crews had the fire under control by 2.30pm, it took some time to extinguish it completely.

Neither the kohanga nor the kura were threatened, and the airport closure was precautionary only; no commercial flights were affected.

Meanwhile, a Kaeo fire crew was called to help at the scene of a two-car crash on the corner of State Highway 10 and Taupo Bay Rd at 12.20pm, in which two people were moderately injured.

Gala at Kawakawa

Kawakawa Primary School has its annual gala happening this Saturday. The fundraising gala day will run from 10am to 2pm, with students performing from 11am to 1pm. There will also be plenty of other entertainment, food, rides and stalls, with a promise of fun for the whole whanau.

Get floats ready

The organisers of Kaitaia's first Santa parade for some years are urging the town to get involved, with floats, vehicles, or simply by dressing up and walking, dancing or singing their way through the main street on Saturday December 2.

Registration (www.kaitaiachristmas.com) is free. The 1pm parade will be followed by Christmas in the Park on the A&P showgrounds at 5pm.

Escape attempt fails

A 24-year-old Auckland man who piqued police interest on SH11 near Opua at 1.30am on Sunday by "driving all over the road" did his best to get away, but was unsuccessful. He eventually pulled into a driveway and ran into the owner's garage, where he was found, and discovered to be subject to outstanding warrants to arrest. He was also charged with driving with excess alcohol, driving whilst forbidden, breaching bail and failing to stop.

Correction

A Northern Advocate story on Tuesday incorrectly stated Lee Rata was a Mongrel Mob member. Mr Rata died after he was beaten by Mongrel Mob members on New Year's Eve 2015. Mr Rata had gang connections but was not a member.

The Northern Advocate apologises for the confusion - Mr Rata was wearing Mongrel Mob clothing on the day he was attacked, but he was not a patched member.