Northland news in brief

NZTA proposes four new roading options between Whangarei and Ruakaka and two options to bypass the Brynderwyn Hills.

Business grants

Applications for the Top Energy Business Fund are now open. The fund is a grant of up to $30,000 awarded twice a year for ideas and businesses that a panel of business experts think stand a chance of boosting the Far North economy. Go to www.topenergy.co.nz.

Roadworks feedback

Feedback on the New Zealand Transport Agency's proposed options for a highway upgrade between Whangarei and Te Hana must be submitted by today.

The agency proposes four options between Whangarei and Ruakaka and two options to bypass the Brynderwyn Hills.

At the end of August, NZTA said more than 200 submissions had been made. To see the plans and make a submission go to www.nzta.govt.nz/whangarei-to-tehana

Clarification

A Northern Advocate story yesterday said Whangarei man Rameka Hape had been found unfit to go to trial, due to insanity.

In fact, Mr Hape - who was accused of a carjacking -was found not guilty on all charges by reason of insanity. He had been charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, injuring with intent to injure, reckless driving, failing to stop, resisting police, two counts of attempting to unlawfully take a motor vehicle and three of aggravated assault.

At a disposition hearing after his not guilty pleas, he was made a special patient in a hospital.