Northland news in brief

Marine biosecurity member Cam Bunton demonstrating his land-based pest identification skills to his fellow award-winning colleague and pest plant expert Sara Brill.

Biosecurity awards for Northland Regional Council

Two of three national awards judged by biosecurity peers across New Zealand have been given to Northland Regional Council staff. Pest plant expert Sara Brill won the Peter Ingram Award for achievement in pest plant advocacy, education or management, while marine biosecurity colleague Cameron Bunton received the new Dave Galloway award for innovation for the online Pest Control Hub. The awards are given out each year by the New Zealand Biosecurity Institute (NZBI) at its national conference.

Mangawhai homicide

A homicide investigation is underway in Mangawhai after the death of a 2-year-old child. Police were called to a Mangawhai address at 8.15pm on Wednesday after the toddler died. A 30-year-old man has been charged with assaulting the child - but further more serious charges may result as the investigation progresses. He appeared in the North Shore District Court yesterday and was granted interim name suppression. Community Magistrate Jan Holmes also suppressed the name of the toddler and the child's mother - as well as any information that could identify them.

Whangārei District Plan Pre-consultation closes today

Pre-consultation on 16 draft district plan changes to the Whangārei District Plan closes at 4.30pm today. The plan changes seek to include new Environment zones and district wide chapters. The council will review the feedback and redraft any provisions, before a formal consultation period will commence. To find out more about each change, or to make a submission go to planchanges.heretowhere.co.nz. A comment form and survey are available.

Kaikohe man in police pursuit

A Kaikohe man released on bail with a condition not to drive was allegedly involved in a police pursuit and has found himself back in court. Senior Sergeant Daniel Cleaver said the driver did not stop when he was spotted near Okaihau about 10pm on Wednesday. Police followed the driver through the back roads to Pipiwai where his vehicle tyres were spiked. The 36-year-old was arrested and was to appear in the Whangārei District Curt yesterday on various driving-related charges.

Fuel spill south of Whangārei

Police were called to a major intersection south of Whangārei after a fuel spill was discovered about 7.30am yesterday. Police were unsure what had caused the spill but an absorbent material was scattered across the intersection at Rewarewa Rd and State Highway 1 to stop vehicles slipping on the road surface.