Northland news in brief

Accused in court

Koroneria Kingi, 48, of Ngararatunua reappeared via audio visual link in the High Court at Whangarei yesterday. Kingi is accused of murdering a 61-year-old Northland man whose body was found in Ngararatunua on February 10. Kingi was remanded at the Mason Clinic and will appear for his trial on September 11, which is set down for two weeks.

Power cut charges

Two Moerewa men charged in relation to a massive power cut that left the Far North in the dark for 12 hours are due back in court this month. Police allege Nathan John Cooper, 46, and Korey Sesil Pirini, 28, fired a series of shots at pylon insulators in the early hours of December 8. Both are charged with intentional damage, unlawful possession of a .303 rifle and unlawful possession of ammunition. Pirini also faces a charge of cultivating cannabis. Both are due back in court on March 7.

Music group doors open

Whangarei Youth Music will open its doors to the public at its practice night tonight allowing the public to see groups in action. Groups including beginner, intermediate and advanced players use recorders, wind, brass, strings, choir and full orchestra. Anyone interested in learning an instrument, viewing the groups in the Old Library or wanting to hear music rehearsals are welcome to attend. Doors will open at 4pm.

Schools posting

The principal of Tauraroa Area School has been made president of the New Zealand Area Schools Association (NZASA). Grant Burns has been on the organisation's executive since 2009. The NZASA represents the interests of more than 40 year 1 to 13, rural, state-funded schools throughout New Zealand. It organises annual conferences, sports and student leadership events. It also serves as a link between schools and lobbies for the interests of area schools with policy makers. The previous NZASA president was Alex MacCreadie of Catlins Area School, Owaka.