Northland news in brief

Drivers have been banned from a significant part of Ruakaka Beach.

Drivers banned

Drivers are now banned from a significant part of Ruakaka Beach thanks to a recent bylaw change, the Whangarei District Council is reminding people. Vehicles cannot be on the beach from in front of the surf club up to the Ruakaka River mouth, or from the river mouth to 500 metres past Marsden Village. Vehicle access points to Ruakaka beaches are at Tip Rd and Rama Rd and include signs indicating the prohibited areas. The bylaw also bans driving on sand dunes.

Water works

The water main along Whangarei's Rathbone St will be replaced in the new year, due to the current one sporadically cutting water supply to nearby businesses. The Whangarei District Council will replace the 40-year-old 100mm main with a 150mm polyethylene main, between Rathbone and Cameron Streets. The $280,000 work will be followed by a road resurface. Work will be done in 6m sections.

Second report ordered

A second psychiatrist report has been ordered on a 38-year-old man facing a charge of murdering a farmer in the Far North. The 38-year-old, who has interim name suppression, was remanded back in custody until February 10 when he appeared in the High Court at Whangarei yesterday. The man is charged with the murder of Peter Linder Nilsson, 77, at Mr Nilsson's farm, near Te Kao, on August 4. Justice Susan Thomas said the first psychiatrist report said the man was likely fit to stand trial.

Remanded in custody

A Northland man accused of killing a relative has been further remanded in custody to reappear in February. Jason Heihei, 30, is accused of stabbing 29-year-old Corey Heihei at a Pukepoto Rd house on July 23. Police said despite receiving medical attention, the victim died at the scene. Heihei appeared in the High Court at Whangarei yesterday for a callover. He's back in court on February 9.