Northland news in brief

Kaikohe Courthouse, above, saw some of its roofing lift during yesterday's storm.

Winds raise court roof

Kaikohe Fire Brigade was called to the town's courthouse about 9.30am after some of the plastic cladding on the roof started lifting and no builders could be found. Instead the volunteer firefighters carried out temporary repairs to ensure the cladding couldn't fly off during the weekend and end up in power lines or endangering passers-by.

Drug-accused back in court

A Frenchman accused of smuggling 24kg of cocaine worth up to $10.8 million seized in a Customs-led sting in Paihia is back in court next week.

Alexander Steeve Yelengwe Yonkwa-Dingom, 26, is facing charges of possession for supply of a class A drug and with failing, without reasonable excuse, to assist a police constable exercising a search power under the Search and Surveillance Act 2012. Yonkwa-Dingom will reappear on Friday.

Vintage car spectacular

The Far North Vintage Car Club's 2018 Autospectacular will get under way on the Eastern United Rugby Club grounds at Taipa at 8am today rain, hail or shine. It will feature black powder demonstrations at 11am and 1pm (the latter signalling the start of prize-giving).

A mystery guest will light the fuse at 11am. The event will attract a huge collection of vintage, classic and modern vehicles.

Crash victim named

The 20-year-old back seat passenger killed when the car he was in crashed on Keyte St, Whangarei, on New Years Eve was Shane Harema, of Whangarei. The car he was in rolled and smashed through a garden fence before coming to a halt about 10.30am. Two others in the car had minor injuries. Police are continuing to investigate and considering charges.

Pompalier House online

Visitors to Russell can now book their Pompallier Mission guided heritage tour or coffee, croissant and culture tour online.

"Many visitors to the Bay of Islands are highly mobile, and are often connected to the internet through phones or other devices," Pompallier Mission manager Scott Elliffe said. "This service means people can plan their holiday activities while they're out and about on any given day, or book well in advance if they prefer.

It offers our visitors greater flexibility to book their time to come and visit Pompallier Mission and experience one of the best hands-on heritage experiences in the country." Go to http://bit.ly/PompallierTours

Fractures in assault

A 28-year-old suffered facial fractures when she was allegedly assaulted by two male family members in Kaikohe on Boxing Day. She was initially taken to Bay of Islands Hospital then transferred to Whangarei. Two men have been charged with wounding with intent.

Funding round opens

The second round of the Whangarei District Council's Creative Community Scheme is open for applications. The scheme provides grants to arts-focused projects or events that benefit the Whangarei community. The round closes on February 9. Application forms are available on the council website, from the council customer service counters or by contacting the community funding officer.

Long course swim carnival

The Dargaville Swim Club is hosting its long course carnival at the Kauri Coast Community Pool today. The Dargaville pool is Northland's only 50-metre swimming pool and today's races start at 12.30pm. There are 17 races planned, starting with the 400m freestyle and concluding with the 200m butterfly. The club is at the intersection of Jervois and Onslow streets, in Dargaville.